July 10, 1936 – March 29, 2018
Bill Clark passed away from this world Thursday, March 29, 2018, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren after a brief yet valiant battle with Lymphoma. He was 81 years old.
Born in Cottage City, MD, Bill enjoyed music, sports and summers on the Chesapeake Bay at his grandparent’s summer home on Chesapeake Beach. Bill attended the University of Maryland, where he studied civil engineering and was a member of the SAE fraternity, There also, he met and courted Ellie Munsey. After a July 10th wedding in 1959, Bill and Ellie moved to Downey, California, where they had their first child, Richard William. The family moved back east to Bethesda, Maryland, where Sandra Ann was born. Finally, a move to Roanoke occurred in 1964, where Bill and Ellie welcomed their third child, Sara Elizabeth. It was here in the Roanoke Valley that Bill and Ellie would set down roots and raise their family.
Bill served in the Naval Reserves. He had a long and rewarding career in local government with Roanoke City and Roanoke County. Starting as civil engineer, Bill held several positions including Assistant to the City Manager. Bill attended the University of Pittsburg in 1970, earning his Masters in Public Works administration. Ellie held down the fort the year he was away so much from his family. Bill was the County Administrator from 1973 to 1981. Bill had a short stint at Hayes Seay Mattern and Mattern before returning to the city as the Director of Public Works. Bill retired from the city in 1999.
Bill and Ellie are faithful members of South Roanoke United Methodist Church. Bill had a huge heart for missions and helping others. He relished in opportunities to serve. Bill was an active member of the local Kiwanis chapter and of the American Public Works Association. Bill loved fast pitch softball, barbershop singing, water skiing, drinking beers on the dock, summer vacations in the OBX, family reunions in Lewes, DE and really anything that involved his family. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Eleanor (Ellie) Munsey; children, Richard (Lane), Sandra (Dan), Sara (Pat) and seven amazing grandsons: Curtis Coleman, Tyler Stephenson, Weston Frederick, Joshua Patrick, Ian Clark, Bradley Allen and Christopher Manning.
Much love and gratitude to those who helped Bill in his final days, including staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Center and the countless medical team members at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The family welcomed Bill’s friends on Friday, April 13th at Oakey’s South Chapel. Bill’s celebration of life service was Saturday, April 14th at South Roanoke United Methodist Church.
DELA members and other barbershoppers may contribute to Harmony Foundation International (by mail) 110 Seventh Ave North, Suite 200 - Nashville TN 37203-3704 or (online) harmonyfoundation.org/ways-to-give/memorial-giving. Bill’s name will be honored on the 'Keep a Melody Ringing' wall in Nashville when gifts totaling $1000 are received in his memory.
Bill Clark is survived by his wife Ellie. Her mailing address is 621 Fox Chase Road, Wirtz, VA 24184-3651.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to South Roanoke United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.
|
