Thomas Vincent Clark Sr.

Thomas Vincent Clark, Sr., 99, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 while in Georgetown, South Carolina. He was born on January 19, 1927, in Stony Point, New York, the son of Thomas Vincent Clark and Agnes H. Clark. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Clark, who passed away in 2021. He was preceded in death by oldest son Tom, Jr. and is survived by three of his sons: J. Kevin Clark of Copley, OH; Brian J. Clark and wife Mary Jo of Georgetown, SC; and Jeffrey G. Clark of Fairfax Station, VA.

After graduating high school in Haverstraw, NY, Tom proudly joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his service, he graduated from Xavier University, beginning a long and dedicated career in the civilian military service. He started in the US Army Corp of Engineers located in Richmond, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. He moved on work for the Navy in Charleston, SC and Washington DC as he advanced through the that organization.

As a proud father of four sons, Tom dedicated all his efforts to his young family with many hours spent on coaching baseball, basketball, Boy Scouts, school band, and a million things in support of his kids.

Following retirement, Tom settled in the Bedford, Virginia, where he enjoyed a full and active life. He was a devoted golfer at the Bedford Country Club for many years. He was a committed member of his church, Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church and volunteered time as a docent at Bedford's D Day Memorial, and the Bedford Christian Ministries soup kitchen.

He and Betty found the time to travel and did a lot of that: Germany, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, northwest US, southwest US, and others all were experienced.

Tom's life was marked by service, humility, integrity, generosity, humor, unwavering dedication to family. He will be remembered for the gentle wisdom and the love he gave generously to all who knew him.

In honor of Tom's life please consider making a donation to Heath Wagon, P.O. Box 7070, Wise, VA 24293.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Va. Interment will be in Resurrection Catholic Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.