William Edward Clark

William Edward Clark Jr, "Bill", was the oldest of nine children. He was born June 11, 1947 and grew up in Aurora, Illinois. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, musician, artist, Vietnam Veteran, business owner, and mentor. He married his beloved high school sweetheart Sharon Lee on March 19, 1966. Just shortly after he was sent with countless other men to fight in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1969. He held many professions in his life, from making solar panels to owning a thermoforming company. However none of these can compare to the countless lives he touched with his last position as the Director of Curriculum for the Benjamin Franklin Charter Schools. Along with many of his friends and colleagues what started out as parents desiring to have a better education for their children, went from "a field of sheep to a field of dreams". That was 21 years ago. Now the old saying "if you build it they will come" has become a motto for his school family, and have they come. Through commitment and dedication the first campus was opened in Mesa, Arizona, housing a mere kindergarten through third grade. The dream has since grown into three kindergarten through sixth grade elementary schools and a full junior high and high school. Aside from Bill's love for education and history, he had a beautiful 1965 Pontiac GTO, which always came home with an award. The heat of the Arizona summers could not deter this avid motorcyclist from riding his Harley, as much as he possibly could. Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years (Sharon), his 2 children (Eric and Erin (Neil)), 2 granddaughters (Rylee and Abby), 5 brothers, 3 sisters and his ever-faithful boxer Tigg'r. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016 from 5-7pm at 330 W. Dublin Street, Gilbert, Arizona 85233.