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Harper Clark Obituary
The Clark family business was selling Oldsmobiles and for 51 years Clark Oldsmobile commanded the corner of Olive and Lakeview avenues in West Palm Beach, one of the city's landmark businesses.
Harper A. Clark Jr., who owned the dealership for nearly 30 years after buying it from his father, died Sunday at Treasure Coast Hospice in Stuart of complications from a traffic accident in October when he was traveling home from a trip to North Carolina. He was 80.
A lifelong resident of West Palm Beach, Mr. Clark was known as "Buddy" to his old friends. He graduated from Palm Beach High School in 1946.
He would tell stories of hunting turkey before school and taking the bird dogs out to hunt quail after school.
He attended the University of Florida and graduated from the General Motors Institute. He served in the Army during the Korean War.
His father founded the business in 1939. Mr. Clark bought the dealership from him in 1961 and ran it until he sold it to his three sons in 1988.
The dealership was sold to Schumacher Buick in 1990, but Mr. Clark kept the land.
It wasn't until 2001 that he sold the land for $13 million after hanging on to the property for years in spite of advice to sell.
"He ended up being right and lucky," said his son, Harper R. Clark.
He is survived by Nancie, his wife of 54 years; three sons, Harper, Wayne and Gray; a sister, Pat; and four granddaughters.
A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 211 Trinity Place, West Palm Beach.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, the Treasure Coast Hospices, 1201 S.E. Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997 or Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33407.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harper Clark
Bill Mittica
March 28, 2023
Harper,Wayne and Gray. Truly sorry to hear of this news. May his soul rest in peace
Rest In Peace
Michael iezzi
March 6, 2008
Father we entrust our brother Harper to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Harper in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Susan Alexander (Faust)
March 4, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies. It was wonderful to grow up on the same street with the Clark family. Mr. Clark was a wonderful and kind person. I will never forget the excitment of getting a full sized Clark bar on Halloween from him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
DANNY CHANDLER
February 28, 2008
ITS GOING TO BE A SAD DAY TODAY TO SAY GOOD BYE TO SUCH A FINE GENTLEMAN AS MR. CLARK, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING FOR HIM FOR 18YRS. HE WAS THE BEST. HE WAS BLESSED WITH SO MANY FRIENDS IT WAS A PLEASURE JUST BEING AROUND HIM HE WAS SO RESPECTED BY EVERYONE. MRS. CLARK,HARPER,WAYNE AND GRAY I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
John Templeton Sparrow
February 28, 2008
Nancie, I was saddened to hear of Buddy's passing. I surely enjoyed the few times we were together talking about family and the Templeton connection. May God be with you and your family in this time of sadness
Buddy in the 70's
February 28, 2008
Ready for a hunt
February 28, 2008
Buddy with a good pal
February 28, 2008
Buddy with his Mother about 1945
February 28, 2008
Natalie Kopejzna (Smith)
February 28, 2008
I had the great fortune of being an employee for the Clark family during my formative years. Mr. Clark treated me more like a daughter...what an incredible man. God Bless you all. My love to you always. Natalie.
Ann Gippert
February 27, 2008
My deepest condolences. It was a pleasure to meet and work with him and your family. I wish I could have done more.
Ann (PCNR-his favorite therapist-I think)
Eddie (Fast) Pierce
February 27, 2008
My condolences to the family of such a fine man. I was fortunate to know and to work back in the 70s for such a true gentleman in the car industry.
mary ellen morris
February 26, 2008
may your family be a peace knowing that your father is now with the lord. Our deepest sympathy
the Morris'
Darleen LaPaglia
February 26, 2008
My most sincere condolences to the entire Clark Family. Mr. Clark was truly a gentleman and sure knew the automobile business, inside and out! God Bless you all.
michael jones
February 26, 2008
MRS CLARK,HARPER,WAYNE AND GRAY MR CLARK was very kind to me when I was going through a rough time.HE always had a job for me.I have great respect for him.My condolences to your family. Mike
Hector Hernandez
February 26, 2008
Hello Wayne,Harper and Clark Family,
I wanted to express my condolences with your dads passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
JoLinda Smith
February 26, 2008
Mr. Clark was the proverbial "Southern Gentleman". It was such a pleasure working for him at the Oldsmobile store. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Norma Carol
February 26, 2008
My heart is saddened and it truly and deeply goes out to you at this time. I only know you through the law firm, however your family has always been a "Favorite Client". It is a blessing to realize that Mr.Clark knows the Lord and is now experiencing a joy beyond our earthly comprehension. God bless and comfort you all.
Clement C. "Sonny" Greene, Jr.
February 26, 2008
My deepest Sympathy. I remember "Buddy" from the Olds
Dealership back in the 50's. I use to visit there with my Uncle Harvey Warwick.
Wendy Robinson Fernsell
February 26, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
God bless.
Wendy and Charles Fernsell and family
Julia (Bitsey) Sweitzer nee Carswell
February 25, 2008
He was my cousin and possible the nicest and gentlest man that I had the great pleasure of knowing and calling family. My fondest memory of him is when he walked me down the aisle and gave me away at my wedding.
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