William Nicholson Clark, Jr met his Savior face-to-face as his faith became sight on Veterans Day,
November 11, 2022. He was a loving husband, cherished father, beloved grandfather, and faithful friend
to people of all ages and walks of life. Born March 11, 1927 to the late William Nicholson Clark and Julia
Cunningham Clark of Rocky Mount, NC he served in the Atlantic with the US Coast Guard during World
War II. He was a graduate of Davidson College and later worked in a textile weaving mill in Rocky
Mount. It was there that he met and later married Jane Guthrie Anderson who was the Director of
Christian Education at First Presbyterian, Rocky Mount. After graduation from Union Presbyterian
Seminary in Richmond he served the church faithfully for many years, retiring in 1992, yet still preaching
up until 2015. He pastored churches in Mount Gilead, NC, Staunton, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Buena Vista,
VA, and began a new church development in Dale City, VA — leading with compassion, conviction, wit,
and wisdom.
Bill leaves behind to cherish his memory his three children William Sidney Clark (Peggy), Julia Clark
Hays (Dan), David Allan Clark (Laura) and six beloved grandchildren William Hays, Hannah Hays Sipola
(Matt), Catie Clark, Will Clark, David Clark and Thomas Clark. All of us have been richly blessed by his
unconditional love, encouragement and wisdom. He always made himself available to his children and
grandchildren, and was a wise and guiding hand in their lives. He and Jane went out of their way to create
treasured family memories.
Bill lived his long, active life as a shining example of faith, integrity and humbleness. Perhaps his greatest
gift was his genuine love of people, and the ability to engage strangers he encountered in warm
conversation, treating everyone with love and respect. He inspired people to enjoy life with him. Bill will
especially be remembered for his strong work ethic, great sense of humor, love of family, love of the
outdoors, and being a handyman.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Puckett Funeral
Home, 115 Covington Court, Farmville, VA. Visitation with the family will be immediately after the
service until 4:00PM. Interment will take place at a later time in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church cemetery in Farmville.
In Bill’s honor we invite you to pay kindness forward by treating those you encounter with dignity and
compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family would be humbled and honored if you chose to contribute to a
charity of your choice.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
