Judge David Arvine Clarke Jr.

Judge David Arvine Clarke Jr. passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Shirley Smith Clarke; his two daughters, Susan Clarke (Kelvin Creech) and Nancy Clarke McGowan (Christopher); and three grandsons, Nathan Creech, Patrick McGowan, and Jackson McGowan. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

David was predeceased by his parents, Florence Geyer Clarke and David Arvine Clarke, as well as his sister, Andrea Clarke Lewis.

Born on April 25, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, David spent his early years in Long Island before moving with his family to Newark, DE. After graduating from high school, David earned degrees from Rider College and Wake Forest University Law School.

While at Wake Forest University, David met Shirley, and they married in Troutman, NC in August 1966. The couple initially settled in Wilmington, DE, then moved to Northern Virginia, where David began his legal career as a federal attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in 1968. In 1979, he was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the U.S. Department of Labor, focusing on Black Lung and whistleblower cases, and later served as an appeals judge for the Benefits Review Board.

David retired at the age of 56 and moved with Shirley to Angier, NC to be closer to family and the beach. In retirement, he took up welding as a hobby and designed and built bedframes and tables as well as cute lawn creatures for friends and family. David also took courses in air conditioning repair at Wake Tech and shared his skills helping friends with HVAC repairs.

David enjoyed many activities throughout his lifetime including horseback riding, gardening, motorcycling riding, and photography. David was a lifelong animal lover, always having dogs by his side, having horses for himself and his daughters, rescuing animals in need, and enjoying feeding wildlife each evening.

David was deeply devoted to his family. He instilled in his daughters a strong sense of independence, responsibility, compassion, love of animals and a desire to travel. They will remember him for the joyful, nurturing childhood he provided and the values he lived by.

Burial will take place at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a gift to your favorite animal charity in honor of David and his love of animals.

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