Johnnie David Clarke
September 24, 1939 ~ January 6, 2015
Resided in:
Charlotte, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Johnnie David Clarke, 75, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at the Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.
A native of Sims Chapel, Alabama, he was a son of the late Warren and Verta Richardson Clarke. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Sargent Clarke and four of his five brothers.
Mr. Clarke was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. He spent many years as the band director for several schools to include Sprayberry High School and feeder schools in Marietta, Georgia and A.C. Reynolds High School and feeder schools in Asheville, NC. Mr. Clarke had a passion to teach young adults music through instrumental and choral performance. His bands consistently participated in concert and marching festivals in the area. In 1979, the A.C. Reynolds Marching Band was selected to represent the state of North Carolina at the Lions International Conference in Montreal, Canada. Upon retirement, he spent time as a school fundraiser representative and as an insurance agent. Mr. Clarke was an active member of Lions International where he was a member of the Haw Creek Lions Club, Greater Asheville Lions Club, Reynolds Lions Club and the Matthews Lions Club. He was the 1979-1980 District Governor for 31-A. In this role, he worked tirelessly with other Lions as one of the founding fathers for the Marjorie McCune Memorial Center in Black Mountain, NC. His leadership led to the establishment of new Lions Clubs and Leo Clubs in the district, as well as increased participation at Camp Dogwood, a camp for the blind. Following his tenure as District Governor, he served in several state officer positions with the Lions Club. Lion Clarke was the recipient of many awards in the Lions Club including the Melvin Jones Fellow for his work in humanitarian services. He was a member of the choir and the Melody Makers at Matthews United Methodist Church in Matthews, NC.
Mr. Clarke is survived by his son, Dr. David Clarke of Monroe, NC; by his brother, Dan Clarke of Sims Chapel, Alabama; by his daughter-in-law, Dr. Rachel Clarke; and grandson, Philips Clarke of Monroe, NC.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, January 16, 2015, at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain. The visitation will be at Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Rd. on Thursday, January 15, between 6 pm and 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made as a memorial in his name to the Marjorie McCune Memorial Center at 101 Lions Way, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
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David, Rachel, and Phillip our hearts go out to you. We are fortunate for you to share your fondest memories of your dad over the last few months. God bless you.
David, we all love you guys and are praying for all of you. God Bless you all. Uncle JD will be missed.
OUR SINCERE AND PROFOUND SYMPATHY!! WE KNEW AND
WERE FRIENDS WITH A LOVELY COUPLE !! MANY MEMORIES
WITH LIONS FOR MANY YEARS !! SINCERELY Esther & Lacy
Presnell
Many fond memories from A.C. Reynolds High School band. I’m thankful for the time and influence this man gave to me and so many others. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Clark family. Peace be with you. Ellen Green-Swanson
Even after the teen years you and I can remember so well my family and I had many hours of fun and family love with both Barbara and Johnnie. One time Johnnie decided Chris (at age 3) would be a perfect candidate for golfing! Johnnie brought him a toy golf set and spent the 3 day weekend outside teaching him. Your mother kept cheering them on and our sides were hurting from the laughter…that’s one of the many days we hold in our memories. And it still brings a smile. Our love and prayers are with you David, Rachel and Philips.
David and Family my deepest and heartfelt sympathy be with you. Many years have now gone by, but David as I look back at the many lessons your dad taught all of us, not only the music he instilled in us, he also instilled in us to grow up and be the men and women we are today. He was stern, but fair, and he had the heart to take us all under his wing. He always let you know when you were right, and yet, wasn’t afraid to let you know if you were wrong. Many , many of our fondest memories will always be in the band together at Reynolds, and your Dad’s smile, when he knew we gave him back our best. David , I just want you to know, 30 years have gone by, and I have always and will continue to consider your Dad, as one of the largest influences in my life. Your Dad will be missed, and my thoughts and prayers and sympathies be with you, my friend
David – You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. He was one of the great influences of my life, and I will always remember the life lessons that went along with the music. All of us were blessed to have his insightful leadership in the music program. He touched so many lives, and I count myself as lucky to have known him. Best Regards – Mark
Deepest sympathies for the loss of your father and and sincerest wishes for your family’s strength during this time. Marvis
Mark, Thank you so much for the comments. They touch my heart. It has been too many years. Please email me sometime at DRPClarke@yahoo.com . We need to get together sometime. David
Lacy, Thank you so much for the nice comments. My parents thought the world of you and Esther.
Thank you so much DeWayne. Your comments are very much appreciated and helps to ease the pain to hear such kind comments.
Thank you so much Ellen for the kind words. David
Thank you so much Andy. We appreciate the comments and the thoughts.
Thank you so much Natalie.
David, I am sorry that I could not make it to the funeral. I live in Wilmington, NC now. Your Dad was always a friend to me and my wife. Sheri truly enjoyed the time she was in the band. She and her husband were here last weekend and we spent quite a bit of time remembering some of those days. My biggest regret was not going to Montreal. Donna did, but I stayed in Asheville. Otherwise I chaperoned every other band trip made while Sheri was in the band. He will be missed and may he rest in peace.
I started band in the 6th grade with Mr. Clarke at Bells Ferry elementary and he was my 7th grade band director as well. I later won a music scholarship to college and became a band director. I went into school administration and served as the Coordinator of Fine Arts with Forsyth County Schools (GA). Mr. Clarke is the root cause for my success in life.