Roger Ellis Clark

"I've had a great life, people have treated me so well." That was something Roger Ellis Clark said in one of his clearer moments during an intense five year battle with dementia. It was a simple statement, and a true one. That is how he felt about his family, friends, coworkers, students, customers, colleagues, caregivers, and all of the people who surrounded him in Talbot County.

Roger Ellis Clark was born on March 2, 1943, in Washington, DC, and died on December 18, 2025. After spending short periods of time in Massachusetts and New Jersey, he grew up in Claiborne, Maryland, a place that helped shape his lifelong connection to the Eastern Shore and its people. He was the son of Oscar Hugh Duffey Clark and Mary May Clark.

Roger was one of four brothers. He was preceded in death by his older brother Duffy Clark and Duffy's wife Nancy, by his brother Peter Clark, and by Peter's wife Ann, who resides in St. Louis, Missouri. He is survived by his younger brother Vince Clark, whose wife Linda preceded him in death, and who lives in Michigan. Roger deeply cherished the bond he shared with his brothers and their spouses, and with the many wonderful nieces and nephews who were an important part of his life.

Roger was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol Sue Clark, the person he cherished more than anyone in this world. They were married on August 17, 1970, after meeting while teaching together. Their marriage was marked by intense love and deep respect. At times their affection was visibly expressed, but always it was emotionally rich and grounded in trust, companionship, and mutual reliance. Even as dementia slowly took hold over the last years of his life, Roger never stopped asking about Carol Sue. They were happily married for forty years until Carol Sue's sudden passing in 2011.

Roger is survived by his two children, Michael Clark and his wife Michelle of Easton, Maryland, and Jodie Clark Pullinger and her husband Mark of Sheffield, England. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Alexis and Lane Clark.

In addition to the love he shared with his own family, Roger held close the family of his wife, Carol Sue. He greatly enjoyed the company of her brothers and sister, including Ken Furnish, who preceded him in death, and his wife Dorothy Furnish of Milford, Delaware; Lois Swing, who preceded him in death, and her husband Jack, who also preceded her in death; and Darrell Furnish, who preceded him in death. He also deeply valued time spent with all of their children, his nieces and nephews, each of whom was extremely special to him.

Education was the defining work of Roger's life. He earned a Bachelor's degree in History from Salisbury State College, now Salisbury University, in 1965, and a Master's degree in Education from Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College. For thirty years, he served the children of Talbot County with dedication and care. He began his career teaching Civics and United States History at Easton Junior Senior High School. He later became a respected administrator, serving as Principal of Easton Middle School, Easton High School, and St. Michaels High School.

Throughout his career, Roger was active in professional organizations including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Maryland State Teachers Association, and the Talbot County Education Association, where he proudly served as President. Even in retirement, he remained a passionate supporter of Talbot County Public Schools students and staff.

After retiring from education, Roger and Carol Sue owned and operated The Clark and Clark Team, a successful real estate firm specializing in residential sales throughout the tri county area.

Earlier in life, Roger was also a certified lifeguard, water safety instructor, pool manager, and swim coach, roles that reflected his lifelong commitment to mentorship, safety, and community involvement.

Roger gave generously of his time and leadership beyond his professional career. He served on the Board of Camp Wright, was an active member of the Rotary Club of St. Michaels where he served on the Scholarship Committee, and was a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church in St. Michaels. He also served on the Workforce Investment Board, the Channel Marker Board, and the Bay Hundred Youth Task Force Scholarship Committee.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 30,2026 at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S Harrison St, Easton, MD 21601, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Christ Church St. Michaels in St. Michaels, Maryland. A graveside service will be held at a later date and will be private for family.

Roger Ellis Clark lived a life rooted in service, family, education, and love. His legacy lives on in the countless students he guided, the colleagues he led, the community he served, and the family who loved him deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Roger's memory to make a donation to either the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation at https://tcpsef.org/ or to the Talbot County Education Association c/o Katie Curry, Easton High School, 723 Mecklenburg Avenue, Easton, Maryland 21601.

For online condolences, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com