Mr. William "Rookie" Elgin Clark Jr. Obituary in Martinsville at Hairston Funeral Home

Obituary For Mr. William "Rookie" Elgin Clark Jr.

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.

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Rookie could look on the loveliness of this world & share in its sorrow, but he realized the wonderments of both. He had gotten as near to God's secret as any one can get. My sincere condolences to Rosemary & family Travis (AHHS & WVSU)

Always in good spirits whenever I saw him and always a gentleman. Rest in Heaven, Rookie. Terry Swain Clark

Sending The Family of my Friend "Rookie," my most sincere condolences I remember first meeting Rookie at our alma mater, West Virginia State (then College) University. I shall sorely miss seeing him during Homecoming.RIH

What a lovely obituary of Rookie. He had a wonderful life. It encompasses every thing about him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was in my graduating class of 1966 at Albert Harris High School, and I remember him so distinctly; who wouldn't? He had that sort of personality that attracted people. We will miss him at the reunion this year. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace. Aurelia Perkins, Board Member Albert Harris High School National Alumni Association.

Years ago Rookie began making a statement with his socks. They always brought a smile to my face. Over time I began emulating his lead. Each time we saw each other at State's Homecoming we acknowledged our sock camaraderie with a smiling comment. It was special... I will miss you. Juanita Brooks

My great friend R.I.P. Brother you will be missed.

It was always a joy to see Rookie at the school reunion with his warm smile. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the family.
Agnes and Nita

Home Boy, will walk right into Heaven, and Dap the Angles.

Family, Rookie was a joy to be around. I will miss him and his wife at all the class reunions. Thank God for Rookie and bless the family. Love, Willie Mae and Peter Harris

It was an exciting time when Rookie showed up at 1103 Roundabout Road; never a time when he did not support our family during those rough times. He was probably the only one who could calm his and our brother George, such love came so naturally for our dear Rookie. We all loved this man and will miss him so much. Peace and power to this beautiful black man. Blessings to the entire family, with love The Clarks