Leodius C. Clark Sr, age 73, was summoned to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Mercy Health in Youngstown, Ohio. Also known as Big Lee, he was born September 17, 1950, in Youngstown, OH to the union of the late Leodius Gwyn and Marie Campbell.

As the eldest of eight children, Leodius was educated in the Youngstown City School System, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, and participated in athletic competitive sports such as football, where he displayed great talent on the football field.

Throughout his life journey, Leodius was employed at various private and public organizations including the former Diamondhead Nursing Facility, Youngstown Steel Door and the CSX and Baltimore & Ohio (B & O) Railroad systems. He retired after many years of service to the Mill Creek Metro Parks System where he insured the natural beauty of its serene spaces were maintained.

It cannot be articulated enough, Leodius was an avid Cleveland Brown & Cavalier fan, deeply devoted to family matters, loved by many, always smiling and was generous with his time and resources. He never refused to assist others and made himself readily available whenever needed. His simple pleasures were playing the lotto daily and washing his revered truck, which he referred to as “Da Da."

Leodius had an affinity for gaming on his PlayStation in his spare time, earning him the nickname Iron Thumb. He loved Madden football and basketball programs. He was also dubbed The Grill Master and his culinary skills were unsurpassed. His signature foodie specialties were cornbread dressing, mac & cheese. A self described “neat freak”, Big Lee prided himself for always being well maintained and keeping himself, his truck and home immaculate.

Leodius shared his life with Louise Williams, who was his love & companion for twenty-two years. Leodius leaves a rich legacy among his multitude of children which includes La Chon Williams of Temple, Georgia, Leodius Clark Jr. of Warren, Vonetta (M. Shade) Clark of Columbus, Desmond (V. Perez) Clark of Cleveland, Crystal Clark, Cash (Leanna) Clark of Beaver Falls, Pa, LaQuetta (Josh) Bullocks of Beaver Falls, Leland Love, Robbie and Jeanetta Anderson all of Youngstown. Leodius also raised and nurtured as his own, Nautica, Danny, and Eshaun all of Youngstown. He is also survived by sisters Debra Bowens & Selena Fisher both of Youngstown, and Sheree Mitchell of Delaware.

Leodius will be remembered by his 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a score of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was loved by many and enjoyed spending time with close family and friends, especially his favorite aunt Carol and cousins Norvell, Derrick, Angel, Allen, T L, Butch, and Wendy.

He personified the definition of a renaissance man. On any given day, you would always see Leodius or "Big Lee” attired in a color coordinated ensemble for the occasion. He wore matching hats and shoes, which complemented each other, whether he was casually or formally attired.

As he approached Heaven’s gate, awaiting to welcome him to his new home were his parents, son, Darnell Clark, brothers, Anthony Bowens, Eugene Bowens, Hubert Bowens and William Clark, aunts Mary Clark, Ossie McQueen, nephew William Thomas, nieces Shalena Clark, Celestine Thomas, cousins Jackie Boatwright, Tamika Owens and Jerome Tellington.

Leodius C. Clark Sr. will be honored with a public repose and visitation which will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Services at 11 a.m., to be officiated by Rev. Dr. Lewis W. Macklin II, at the Jaylex event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown.

The family of Leodius “Big Lee” Clark Sr., elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort and After-Care Arrangements to J.E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown, OH, 330-782-8500.