John Clark

John Daniel Clark of Clarkton passed away Friday, July 6, 2012 in Wilmington, NC. John was born May 29, 1926 to John Hector Daniel Clark, and Ruth Merritt Clark of Clarkton, NC.



John was an Army veteran of WWII and served in Europe. A natural artist and musician, John won his first gold medal for art at Clarkton School. After returning home from Europe, he took commercial art courses, formed a band and sang on WBLA radio in Elizabethtown. John gave up his dream to play in Nashville, and married his childhood sweetheart, Edith Hester. He was a devoted husband and father.



He was employed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and took classes in engineering at NCSU in Raleigh. He retired with nearly 40 years of service. Later he assisted his son Jerry with his construction business. He enjoyed his woodworking, fishing, and was passionate about his farm. He continued to do freelance commercial art work over the years.



John was predeceased by his parents, John Hector Daniel Clark, and Ruth Merritt Clark, his son, Jerry Byron Clark, and a sister, Evelyn Dail.



He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edith Hester Clark of Wilmington NC, formerly of Clarkton NC, four daughters; Nancy Williamson and husband Jerry of Wilmington NC, Sandra Mickler and husband Keith of Atlanta, GA, Gloria Sprunt and husband Kenneth of Wilmington NC, Tammy Boggess and husband Gregory of High Point, NC, three sisters; Sarah Hester (Robert) of Elizabethtown NC, Hazel Livesay (Jack) of Raleigh NC and Sidney Davis (Richard) of Benson, NC, seven grandchildren, Misty Emmart (Billy), Deana Wallace (Jamin), Jerry Byron Clark, Jr. (Jane), Derek Mickler (Rebecca), Jody Henderson (Joel), Carrie Williamson, Chelsea Boggess; and five great grandchildren, Jacob, Colby, Parker, Gracie, and Logan.



There will be a private burial service. The family will receive friends at the home of Gloria and Kenneth Sprunt in Wilmington on Sunday, July 8, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.



Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Wilmington, NC or Carolina Canines for Service, Wilmington, NC.