Deacon Richard Clarke, Jr.

The Life of Deacon Richard Clarke, Jr.

Deacon Richard Clarke, Jr. went peacefully from labor to reward at home in Wakefield, VA on Sunday morning March 12, 2023. Deacon Clarke was born July 15. 1924. Deacon Clarke retired from the Newport News Shipbuilding Company after several years of employment. He was a member of the Sussex Senior Citizens. Deacon Clarke loved family, old westerns, gardening, antique cars and most importantly he loved the LORD and shared the good news with everyone that he encountered. Deacon Clarke cheerfully served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Wakefield, VA under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Parham. You could always count on him for an encouraging word and a smile.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy Clarke of Wakefield, VA, sons; Richard Clarke of New Bern NC., Mark Anthony Clarke (Geraldine) of Newport News, VA, daughter, Cheryl Adams (Jerry) of Emporia, VA, sisters; Alma Hill of Surry, VA and Marva Fisher of Concord, NC, sisters in-law; Mrs. Thelma Clarke of Smithfield, VA, Frances Spearman of Newburg, NY, and Fluorine Jones of Maryland and brother in-law Paul Jones (Fluorine) of Maryland.

Also surviving are six bonus children Barbara Bryant of Suffolk, VA, Joseph Edwards, Jr. of Wakefield, VA, Delores Lowery of Fayetteville, NC, Keith Edwards of Fayetteville, NC, Ronald Edwards (Katrina) of Woodbridge, VA, and Erica Edwards Oneil (Thurston) of Long Island, NY. four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a host of bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Although our hearts are heavy, there is comfort in knowing that this is the day that he has prepared us for and talked about in a way that removed the fear. Even as his time here on earth was slipping away Deacon Clarke was reaching out to save souls in his hospital room and while back at his home. I will miss calling him Richie Rich, he would always smile and say, “Hey here!”. I think that he liked that name because our niece called him that when she was very young. We’ll miss long conversations with him and his frequently used terms like “Don’t you say a word! and Wow!” and if he thought that you were drifting away or losing focus, he’d say, “you know what I mean!” He appreciated everything in life, just sitting on the porch feeling the sun beaming down on him brought him joy. We love him and will miss him dearly, but we rejoice in the fact that he is at peace. As long as the winter nights are long, the spring flowers bloom, the summer’s temperature soars, and the autumn leaves fall, he will remain in our hearts until we receive the call. Resting In His Arms.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11am on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 38070 Rocky Hock Rd, Wakefield, VA. Viewing will take place on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 3-6pm at the chapel. Please keep the Clarke family in your prayers.