Command Sergeant Clark Jr

Obituary: Command Sergeant Major William Clark Jr.

Command Sergeant Major William Clark Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Seaside, California, on September 20, 2025, after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. He was 70 years old.

Born on September 9, 1955, in Beaufort, South Carolina, William was the beloved son of the late William "Buster" Clark and Mae Rose Taylor Clark. He graduated from Beaufort High School and joined the United States Army in April 1974, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned over 43 years. He was first stationed at Fort Ord, California, and rose through the ranks with integrity and dedication, retiring in September 2017 as a Command Sergeant Major, one of the highest honors an enlisted soldier can earn.

In addition to his remarkable military service, William lived a full and active life. He was an avid cyclist throughout his entire life, often seen riding long distances with passion and purpose. He participated in Ride to Recovery for many years, a program that supports the physical and mental rehabilitation of veterans through cycling. His dedication to the veteran community extended well beyond his service, as he continued to give back and uplift others long after his retirement.

William was also a devoted and engaged father. He coached his son, William Eric Clark III, in baseball and other sports, supported him in golf, and cherished the time they spent cycling together during the pandemic. He was a loving, supportive, and kind father to his daughter, Angela Rose Clark, offering her strength, encouragement, and unconditional love throughout his life. In his later years, his two grand-puppies, Cody and Chloe, brought him joy and comfort, especially during the more difficult moments of his illness.

William was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Benjamin Kenneth Clark, Leroy Clark, Raymond Clark, and Thomas Julius Clark.

He is survived by his children, Angela Rose Clark and William Eric Clark III; and by his former wife of 41 years, Laurie Clark, who remained by his side with unwavering compassion, providing loving and dedicated care throughout his battle with dementia. He also leaves behind his brother Elijah "Jimmy" (Freda) Clark of Beaufort, SC; sisters Katy (Walter) Murry of Burton, SC, Sheila Clark, and Barbara Clark, both of Beaufort, SC; along with many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family across South Carolina, California, and New York.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Road, Seaside, CA 93955

Command Sergeant Major William Clark Jr. will be remembered not only for his exemplary service to his country, but for the strength, compassion, and dedication he brought to every aspect of his life-as a soldier, a father, a cyclist, and a passionate advocate for veterans. His legacy of love, service, and resilience lives on in all who knew him.