William Elgin Clark Jr., son of the late William E. Clark Sr. and Geneva H. Clark was born on April 5, 1948 in Martinsville, Va.

Affectionately known as “Rookie” or “Team” by most of his family and friends, he graduated from Albert Harris High School in 1966. He entered the illustrious halls of West Virginia State College in the Fall of 1966 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and minor in Philosophy.

Upon completion he moved to Hartford, CT. to work at the Travelers Company. It was there he met the love of his life, Rosemary Skipper, and married her shortly after. Through this marriage they had two children, Jason and Jennifer who were his pride and joy.

William was a lover of life and would laugh, joke and smile with anyone he met. He was an avid sports fan and couldn’t wait until football season to tell you about how well his New England Patriots were doing and try to convert you to the other side. But while loyal to one of his beloved teams; the Patriots, and Lakers, he was also a fan of winning and could be found sporting the hat of any winning team from college football to major league baseball. When asked he would simply say, “no one wants to be at the party of the loser”.

He traveled the world with his lovely bride of 42 years, with his last trip being to visit his daughter in Baltimore, Md. From the beaches on Crusoe Island to the streets of Naples, Italy he was there. Laughing, exploring, shopping and eating with his wife. But there was no place he loved to visit more than Charleston, West Virginia around the 1st of October for the best homecoming around. He planned for months and prepared for days. For him there wasn’t anything better than a chance to hangout with the friends who became family over the years.

Nothing made Rookie happier than the opportunity to spend time with his family. The bond that is shared between his loving sister is one that even death will not be able to break. He loved to get together with family and reminisce about the past and dream about the future. Always the one laughing and joking, he really only wanted one thing, and that was to see you happy. Nothing but sunshine and blue skies!

William is survived by his Wife, Rosemary S. Clark, daughter, Sheri Philips, Son, Jason Clark and Daughter, Jennifer Clark, Grandchildren, Jarred Melancon, Kendall Melancon and Cameron Wall; Three Great grandchildren; Brother, James Wilson (Sheree), Sister, Genevieve C. Herbin (Christopher) and God brother Kerry “Kool” Smith; Godson Chandler Buckner; Uncle John Hairston; nieces and nephews and many cousins, friends and West Virgina State Alumni.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 29, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of East Martinsville with Dr. Charles Whitfield, eulogist. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the church and all other times at the home of Dr. James Wilson, 1109 Country Club Dr., Martinsville, VA. The burial will follow in Carver Memorial Gardens, Martinsville,VA.

Arrangements entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home, Martinsville, VA.