Fred Stuart Clarke

Fred Stuart Clarke passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on August 28, 2025 in Greensboro, NC at the age of 82.

Stuart was born on November 2, 1942 in Danville, Virginia to loving parents Charles Lee Clarke and Marion Luther Clarke. He grew up in Danville and Goldsboro, NC with his older brother, Chuck, and younger sister, Babs. He often said that if God gave him the choice, he would choose his parents to be his parents every time, a testament to the deep love and gratitude he felt for them. He graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1965 with a degree in History and as a member of the Delta Theta Phi fraternity, after a brief 3-semester stint studying Forestry at NC State. From there he went on to serve in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant, concluding his military career with honors in 1969.

Upon his release from duty, Stuart returned to Chapel Hill to study law and earn his JD. After passing the BAR in 1971, he went on to serve in a number of distinguished legal roles: first as law clerk for the Honorable Judge John D. Larkins, Jr. in the U.S. District Court, then as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and later as U.S. Magistrate for the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina from 1973 to 1983. In 1972, he made Fayetteville, NC his home, where, alongside his esteemed partner Herbert Thorp and with the steadfast support of his devoted office manager, Vanessa Southerland, he built Thorp & Clarke into a thriving law practice whose legacy of service endures beyond his more than 50 years of dedication. Stuart quickly became a highly respected and upstanding figure in the community, attending church and teaching Sunday School every week. Studying and teaching the Lord's word was among his most treasured callings as a steward of God. He was also a longtime member of the Fayetteville Lodge of the Free Masons and the Highland Country Club, where he delighted in rounds of golf, friendly competition, and joyful outings with friends and family.

Stuart loved the outdoors; taking trips and hiking with his children and his lifelong best friend Gerald Littleton (wife Andy Littleton) were among his dearest memories. From dove hunts and sail boating adventures to vacations in Cherry Grove, SC and the mountains, Stuart was a family man through and through. He also had an enduring passion for music, particularly opera, Pavarotti, and the songs of Frank Sinatra, which he held close to his heart. Stuart treasured his close friendships, especially with Gerald, Danny Barber, and Alan Weil, the latter two now deceased. Friends and loved ones will remember him as the Quintessential Southern Gentleman: generous beyond measure, wise in his faith, and always ready for some good Eastern NC BBQ and a lively game of Carolina football or basketball.

Stuart is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Martha Alexander Clarke. He also leaves behind his five beloved children: Christine Clarke, Justin Clarke (wife Shea Clarke), Courtney Clarke, Devon Jordan (husband Clayton Jordan), and Chandler Clarke, whose closeness was one of his greatest joys; his dear sister, Barbara "Babs" Harris (husband Mike Harris, and their children Joshua Harris, Holly Stiles, Whitney Harris, and Taylor Harris); his grandchildren, Marissa Lucius, Dylan Lucius, Isabelle Lucius, Rowan Clarke, and Charlotte Perdue; as well as his great-grandchild, Isla Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lee Clarke and Marion Luther Clarke, and his brother Charles "Chuck" Clarke (wife Karen Clarke, and their surviving children Robin Clarke and Grey Clarke).

A service to honor Stuart's life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared in due course. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To know Stuart, "Stuball" or simply "The Lawyer" to those closest to him, was to know unconditional love, unfaltering faith, and unfailing wisdom. He is already deeply missed, and his legacy of love will be forever remembered