W.C. Clark

W.C. Clark, born on November 16, 1939, in the St. Johns area of Austin, Texas, passed away on March 2, 2024. He was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend whose life was deeply intertwined with music, family, and faith.
Born to Ida Mae Shelby and Curley B. Clark, W.C. grew up in a musical household where he learned to play the guitar at a young age. He built his own guitars alongside his father, fostering a deep passion for music and craftsmanship. His family expanded with the addition of a 2nd father after his mother remarried, Shedric Monk Shelby, and his eleven siblings, whom he cherished dearly.
W.C. was a lifelong member of St. John's College Heights Missionary Baptist Church, where he found spiritual guidance and community under the leadership of Reverend W. M. Reed and later Reverend Michael Harvey.
In addition to his musical pursuits, W.C. was skilled in mechanics and carpentry, talents he honed alongside his family. His music career flourished as he learned from and played alongside legends such as T.D. Bell, Tyrone Davis, and James Brown. He contributed significantly to Austin's vibrant music scene, sharing his talents with emerging stars and preserving the rich legacy of blues music.
In 1981, W.C. welcomed his daughter Brittany Ann Clark (Andress-Mays) into the world, and his love for her was a source of joy and inspiration throughout his life.
Known for his generous and caring nature, W.C. was always willing to lend a helping hand to those he loved. His warmth and kindness touched the lives of many, including his siblings, nieces, nephews, and countless others who were fortunate enough to know him.
W.C. Clark leaves a legacy of music, love, and kindness that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.
He was first married to Helen Clark and later to Kathy Wells and maintained loving and healthy friendships throughout their lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Cella Brown, Ruthie Washington, Betty Ward, and Vera Butler, his brother, Shedric Shelby, and his son, Carl Phenix.
He leaves to cherish his memory: One daughter, Brittany Mays (Jill Davis, Mother); One grandson, Andre Phenix; One God-daughter, DeVonna Duffie-Coleman; Four brothers, Joseph Shelby, Daniel Shelby, Willie Eugene Shelby, and Charles Shelby; Two sisters, Mary Jones and Lois Manor; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
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