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William Clark Obituary

William Maurice Clark passed into God"s hands on April 4, 2013, at the Bailey Family Center. He was born on Dec. 17, 1921, to Maurice and Gladys Clark in Marcus Hook, Pa., and was 91 years young. He grew up loving the water and upon high school graduation joined the U.S. Navy as a radar technician. William proudly served our country during World War II through five invasions on the light cruiser USS Brooklyn.

After the war, William graduated from Penn State University with a degree in engineering and went to work for IBM as a mechanical engineer in Endicott, N.Y., and Charlotte, N.C., where he retired. He and his wife Dorothy moved to St. Augustine in 2003.

In his leisure time, William"s love for the water continued with family sailboats, scuba diving and trips to the ocean. Another passion was music and he enjoyed playing the harmonica, accordion and organ. He, most certainly, will always be remembered for his quick wit.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Dorothy of St. Augustine; his son, William of Charlotte, N.C.; and his daughter, Bonnie and son-in-law, Charles Fausey of St. Augustine.

The family would like to thank everyone at The Allegro at Harbour Island, Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Bailey Family Center for their loving care and friendship throughout the past two years, along with all of the wonderful friends and neighbors throughout William"s journey. No formal services are planned at William"s request. Donations in William"s name should be directed to Community Hospice of NE Florida.

Published by St. Augustine Record on Apr. 9, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Dot,

Larry and I are truly blessed to know you and your dear family. We remember Mr. Bill for his devotion to you, Bon & Charlie, and young Bill.

What a team you two were -- 69 years! Thank you for sharing the memory of your words before falling asleep for the evening...how Mr. Bill hoped he had not done or said anything hurtful during the day, and if he had, he was sorry. What a beautiful example for all of us.

Larry and I never tired hearing of Mr. Bill's service to our country aboard the USS Brooklyn. His pride in that showed, and we try to reflect that pride as we thank other veterans and active duty personnel for their unselfish, brave service.

When you and I went to our appointments, Dot, Mr. Bill was always the gentleman, wanting to help escort you to the car, ensuring we were tucked in safely for our adventure. More good lessons by example.

And, a fellow chocolate lover! How pleasant to choose a gift that was always just right and received with a big smile!

Our continued love to you, Dot, Bon & Charlie, and young Bill -- God keep you in His care,

Linda & Larry

Linda Collins

September 8, 2013

Mr. Clark, as I always knew him, made a special memory for me when he invited me to join him for an organ recital. He enjoyed playing the organ and would often play for me when I visited his family when I was a high-schooler. His joy in music and being able to entertain was obvious by his smile and the laughter in his eyes. Although I can't remember the name of the organist we went to see (myself not being an organ aficionado following the organist world), I later found out he was one of the most renowned organists of our time, and playing at the Strand theater in Binghamton. I still remember listening to the man on the stage, and felt privileged not only for being able to attend the concert, but especially because of the man who invited me, paid my way, and exposed me a little to his world, making my world a little bigger, a little better. For this, I thank you Mr. Clark.

George Bezushko

June 22, 2013

I love that picture.

Dot and Bill were THE BEST neighbors the ten years or so Rick and I lived across from then in Concord, NC. At first they stood out just for being the only sane ones on the street, but time revealed multiple layers of their friendliness and virtue. They were such good neighbors, that they're the kind I've sought out wherever I've lived since. Sadly, clones of Dot and Bill have, and shall remain, elusive.

Dot and Bill were the most generous people I've ever known, both of them, and they taught this to their children. Unlike most nice, generous people, they weren't grooming you to see what they could get back, either, or keeping score.

Bill and I had a mutual appreciation for the absurd. He and Dot would invite me in for what he called "a cold drink" (Diet Coke, etc.) and then we'd have show and tell. For instance, he'd show me everything (such as purple grapes) they had in their (squeeeeeaky clean) refrigerator. It was just so funny. It became a regular game we played. Then Dot would heat up that chili macaroni dish for Bill's supper, the only thing he would eat, she said, which was also funny. Once I found him up on a ladder, trimming a broken branch in the cherry tree in their backyard. He offered me some cherries and claimed he'd never tasted one. WHY? I had to know, and he owed it to his upbringing that he was not encouraged to experiment in culinary matters.

I admired his steadfastness and discipline--even when it came to things he didn't have to do, such as whatever hobby he had at the time. I'd never seen that before. I thought discipline was something you reserved for what you had to do, but Bill had plenty to go around. Such FOCUS always undergirded his enthusiasm. When the organ was his instrument, or the accordion, he'd make sure to play it an hour a day, to improve his proficiency, which would, in turn, enhance his enjoyment, I suppose. The range of his interests astonished me, as did the way he'd explore each one fully, learning the lingo, acquiring the appropriate gizmos, getting enthused about something new when he needed a new challenge. I've never known anyone so good at not being bored. No couch potato was Bill Clark! It seemed to me he could do anything, and thought nothing of knocking out or throwing up a wall to alter the flow of the space in their home. He and Dot were the Lewis and Clark of home improvement, always exploring ways to reconfigure or enhance the personal space of their home, which they enjoyed sharing with other people like me. What a couple of sweet, busy beavers!

Bill was so devoted to Dot and the kids, with whom he'd rather be than with anyone in the world. You could count on that. Look up "Kind man who minded his own business" and "Devoted to family" on Google Images & you'll find pictures of Bill Clark.

I respected he and Dot for conducting their lives with decency and simple respect for others, and for bringing up their children to do the same. I admired Bill for thinking for himself about "the big questions," and having the courage of his convictions.

Dot and Bill. The things they did for us, they and their children, you have no idea. The wheels were ever turning in their daughter's head, cooking up new ways to keep her parents interested and active, and to distract them from the challenges that come with aging. B is an absolute creative artist at it. I hope Dot has many years left to enjoy her children and granddogs, the peace and comfort of B's home, and the many surprises B has in store for her. For Bill, rest in peace in dear friend.

Sherry Austin

June 17, 2013

When I moved to St. Augustine nine years ago, I met Mr. Bill and Miss Dottie. They were the best neighbors I could have asked for. I would leave their house many times full of joy. They where so good together with their stories, wit and laughter. It was tough to see Mr. Bill's decline, but he never lost his quick come-backs.
My love goes to the family.

Paulette

May 14, 2013

Thanks for the memories, Mr. Clark. You were an integral part of my childhood growing up in Vestal. I remember your love of playing the organ, and can still picture you sitting at it in the music room. I remember your silly sense of humor - I used to giggle when you sipped your snorkel jacket all the way up so that all we could see was your eyes peeking out! Love to all the family, and may you rest in peace. Carol Dias Ackley

April 16, 2013

I will miss you Bill! Your jokes were always great! I love you and Dot! I will miss seeing you and serving you at The Allegro.

Melissa Bryan

April 14, 2013

It is our pleasure to have been a neighbor of Mr Bill and Miss Dot since 2007. Mr Bll was hanging his American flag in front of his house and that is when we decided to buy the house next door. He will be remembered for his wonderful smile and wit. He regaled us with tales of his 5 invasions aboard the USS Brooklyn and of growing up in Marcus Hook with its 5 refineries. We will truly miss this lovely man. Our love to Miss Dot and Bonnie, Charlie and young Bill.
Marilyn and Vernon Yelk

April 11, 2013

we miss you and love you.
dot, bill, bonnie & charlie

April 10, 2013

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