Jerry Mitchell Clark, 80, of Rockingham, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born Dec. 9, 1942, in Hamlet, a son of the late John Mitchell Clark and Lucille Barbee Clark.
Jerry graduated Hamlet High School in 1961 where he played varsity football, basketball and baseball. In 1960, he was named an All-State running back in football. He attended UNC-Chapel Hill where he played baseball, eventually transferring to Atlantic Christian College graduating in 1965.
He started his career as a loan officer at Southern National Bank. Later, he attended Durham Technical College receiving a degree in Dental Laboratory Technology. He opened Clark Dental Lab in Hamlet and practiced for 47 years before retiring in 2017.
Jerry was active in his community, serving on various boards as treasurer of Hamlet Lions Club, president of Red Rams Booster Club, board member with Southern National Bank/BB&T, and board member with Hamlet Municipal Board of Elections.
As a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Hamlet, he served as a deacon, elder and choir member. Jerry could always be seen beautifying the grounds of his adored church.
Jerry stayed active throughout his life and maintained many hobbies. He was an avid outdoorsman focusing on inshore and offshore fishing, and hunting. He and his good friend, Gordon Davis, fished in the Southern Kingfish Association Tournament Trail for approximately 30 years. He picked up tennis following his college days and competed in various state and southern tournaments. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time with his close friends on the golf course. He was very proud to have obtained his pilot’s license in 1978 and accumulated over 200 hours flying time. Jerry was a thinker and a doer. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, building and fixing anything around the house.
Jerry adored his family, his beloved dog, Raisin, the Clark farm, Lake Tillery and all things N.C. State. He was a devoted husband to his Jane. Loving her was the highlight of his life. Together, as grandparents to three grandchildren, he gained his favorite name, Papa Jerry. He enjoyed attending all of their activities and the time he spent with them. Saying no was not in his vocabulary when it came to these three, he spoiled them greatly.
Surviving is his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Jane McManus Clark; son, Mitchell Scott Clark (Julie) of Raleigh; three grandchildren, Camden, Cayda and Graham Clark; a sister, Carol Clark O’Brien of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; a nephew, Richard Landon O’Brien (Joyce); and great-nephews, Ben and Landon O’Brien.
Jerry was predeceased by a son, Christopher Morgan Clark; a brother, John David Clark; and brother-in-law, Rick O’Brien.
A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Hamlet with the Rev. Jim Ritter officiating. The family will see friends in the fellowship hall of the church from 1-2:30 p.m. prior to the service. The family is also receiving visitors at the home.
Memorials may be made to: Chris Clark Memorial Scholarship, Richmond Community College, P.O. Box 1189 Hamlet, NC 28345; or First Presbyterian Church, 200 Rice St., Hamlet, NC 28345.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Clark family.
