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WILLIAM CLARK Obituary


CLARK William D. Clark William Doran Clark passed away peacefully on September 28, 2015 at the age of 90 on his daughter's farm in Washington, Virginia where he spent the last several years of his life. He was born on March 31, 1925 in Fort Benning, Georgia to General Mark Wayne Clark and Maurine Doran Clark of Muncie, Indiana. Bill followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps by attending West Point and graduating with a commission as Second Lieutenant in 1945. He was initially stationed in Austria and Trieste, Italy where his father, who had been the Commander of Allied Forces in Italy, was then US High Commissioner of Austria. Bill had tours in the US, Austria, Italy, Japan, and Korea and rose to the rank of Major. He fought valiantly in the Korean War and his decorations include a Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, the Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and three Purple Hearts. As a result of his wounds in Korea, he retired from the Army in 1955, and settled eventually in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He had a prestigious career at the Pentagon, where he held various positions, including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). In 1989, he received the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. When he retired from the Pentagon in 1994, he devoted his time to his family, especially his loving wife of over 40 years, Suzanne King Clark. He sat on the board of the International Eye Foundation, and could be frequently found with his golf buddies at the Chevy Chase Club where he was a member for almost 50 years. In battle, Bill was a highly decorated warrior, but he was also the kindest and most gentle man. He regaled his family and friends with stories of what he saw during reconstruction in Austria and Japan. Fondly known to his grandchildren as "Daddy Billy," he will be remembered not only as a war hero, but as a devoted father and grandfather, a wonderful chef, a compelling storyteller, a passionate traveler, and a loyal friend. Clark was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne King Clark and his sister, the artist Ann Clark Oosting. He is survived by his children, Helen Clark Atkeson (Stan Raine), Larry Clark (Anne), Louise Clark Goddard (Ben), Doran Clark (Peter Abrams) and Dwayne Waterman (Scott), and his 10 grandchildren, Ellie, Granger, Paula, William, Elizabeth, Kate, Natalie, Mathew, Michael, and Sean, as well as two great-grandchildren; Colin and Colton. The service will take place at Arlington cemetery on a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to International Eye Foundation. The service will take place at Arlington cemetery on a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to International Eye Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Dwayne Clark Waterman

June 13, 2024

Daddy Bill had many great grandchildren. Sean Bollinger who was Dwayne Clark´s son had Sophia, Anna, Michael, & Aivan

Carol Smith

November 8, 2015

Bill Clark was one of the most supportive mentors and bosses I ever had. A true gentleman and a gentle man. My time in the Pentagon was a great career because he was one who made it so.

November 5, 2015

Please accept my sincere sympathies. May God's holy spirit or active force, equip you with the " power beyond what is normal " to go from one day to the next. ( 2 Corinthians 4 : 7 ) Remember : God can help his faithful servants to endure any and every problem they may face.

October 31, 2015

Praying for the family.

October 30, 2015

I am sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memeories of Mr. Clark warm your heart and put smiles on your face. I hope you will find comfort and hope in the promise made at John 6:40.
A. Ingram, WDC

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