Captain USCG William Bill Bruce Clark

Bill was a career Coast Guard Officer serving in varied assignments from coast to coast. Upon graduation from US Coast Guard Academy in 1953, he was assigned to a Navy Destroyer Escort manned by a CG crew in the Korean theatre of operations during the Korean War. Besides serving on two other large USCG cutters, he also served duty in marine inspection, personnel, training, Chief of Staff “Officer,” commanded two training centers and capped his career as Chief of Coast Guard Operations in New England where he successfully directed over 10,000 SAR events without a single mishap.

He was the recipient of multiple military awards and commendations and received two Meritorious Service Medals and three CG Commendation Medals. Each unit he commanded received an outstanding unit award and also received numerous nonmilitary awards including his two favorites; a commendation from the York Board of Supervisors for his planning efforts for the Yorktown Bicentennial in 1981 and receiving an honorary COP rank from the CPOA at Yorktown.

Bill graduated from USCGA with a Bachelor’s Science Degree in Engineering and a MS in Public Administration from American University. While at the Academy he was Captain of the pistol team and received honors as an All American, tying for the national collegiate team championship in 1953. He also was a member of the all Coast Guard Rifle and Pistol team for two years while a junior officer.

Bill was active in community affairs, as a member of both the Newport News and Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce where he encouraged military participation in many events. In later years, he served on the Board of Directors of the Two Rivers Yacht Club for ten years, and three years as its Commodore. He also was on the Board of Directors of Two Rivers Country Club for two years including service as chair of the tennis committee, Bruton Parish Usher.

He was an advocate for the 2007 Commemorative serving as a volunteer ambassador for Jamestown, Yorktown Foundation. As such, he spoke to many varied groups prior to the event informing and saluatory support for the celebration.

His continuing interest and knowledge lead to him to continual success in many community endeavors, including a member of 1607 Society at JYF and The Burgess Society in Colonial Williamsburg.

Captain Clark is survived by his wife, Corneila Ann Clark,; two sons, Scott W. Clark and Bruce L. Clark, both of Raleigh, NC; a daughter, Joy A. Clark Higbie and husband Pat Higbie of Centreville, VA; six grandsons Austin B. Clark of Dallas, TX, William C. Clark of San Luis Obiso, CA; LT Michael P. Higbie and wife LT Keely Higbie both stationed US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT; Ryan S. Higbie of Centreville, VA, Tyler Clark and Denny Clark of Raleigh, NC; two great granddaughters Tierra Clark of Raleigh, NC and Skylar Higbi of New London, CT; one great grandson Trey Higbie of Centreville, VA; two sisters Nelle Krobath and husband John of Haymarket, VA and Joan Gotthardt of Blacksburg, VA.

Bill’s influence was far-reaching from his loving devotion to family, to his deep sense of duty, wise counsel and steadfast friendship. He will be greatly missed in many circles.

The family will receive friends at their residence, 2064 Hornes Lake Rd., Williamsburg, VA, on Friday, May 15th from 7:00-9:00 PM. A memorial service will be celebrated at 2 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Bruton Parish Church, 331 Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg, VA. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to: US Coast Guard Academy, 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320; Bruton Parish Church, PO Box 3520, Williamsburg, A 23187, Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.