William R Clark

A Glimpse Into the Life of William Raleigh Clark, Sr.
William "Bill" Raleigh Clark arrived in this world on October 4, 1928 in Keokuk, Iowa and departed on May 30, 2024. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Iona Giffey Clark, and his father Elbert Clark; his first wife and mother of his children Leota Clark, his brothers Lorenzo, Elbert, and Annis Clark and one sister, two sons William Clark, Jr. and Mark Clark; and stepson Jeffrey (Alona) McKinney. He leaves to cherish his memory to his wife Lenora Clark, his sister Delores Burrell, his children Jessie Ann Clark, Orlando Clark, Audrey (Todd) Simon, and Dinah Candelo; grandchildren Jahanna Clark, William (Kianna) Tyson, Ursula Renee (Steven) Feathers, LaSonna Washington, Orlando Clark Finch Jr., Robin Williams, LaTonya Tene Granger and Savarius Granger, stepchildren Dawn (Walter) Chesley, Craig (Lawanda) McKinney, and Ellisha McKinney; and an abundance of great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and his Zion Baptist Church family.
Bill graduated from Keokuk Senior High School in 1946 and entered the United
States Army later that year. He received the Combat of the Individual Soldier and
Patrolling Training Certificate, served in the Korean War, and was honorably
discharged on March 27, 1950. In 1946 while in military service, Bill received the
Certificate in Engineering Drafting, Training and Knowledge. Bill enlisted in the
United States Army Reserves on July 19, 1955 and was honorably discharged on
December 17, 1956 when he received a certificate as a testimonial of honest and
faithful service. Bill worked at Honeywell in Minneapolis for a few years, and for the United States Postal Service for many decades where he received multiple achievement certificates and awards in recognition of his devoted service. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1985.
Bill was a Christian disciple at Zion Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
On November 9, 1986, he was set apart to the work of deaconship at Zion Baptist
Church. Bill also served in Zion's Missions Ministry for many years, and also sang
in the church choir. On October 4, 1993 he received recognition for many years of
volunteer service at the Northside Senior Center.
In his younger days, Bill enjoyed participating in sports. He played on softball
teams, bowling leagues and became captivated in golf. Because he worked the
majority of the holidays and weekends, Bill valued and enjoyed the precious time he spent with his family.
Bill will always be remembered for his kind, humble and gentle nature, his unwavering Christian faith, and his unconditional love for his family and friends. He was a pillar of strength and support, and his wisdom and guidance will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Bill's legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will continue to cherish his memory and honor his legacy of love and kindness. May he rest in peace and know that he will be forever loved and missed.