Clarke Adkins Spinks

Clarke Adkins Spinks, of Austin, born December 7, 1987 to William Clarke and Margaret Suzan Spinks, died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, with his family by his side. Clarke attended University Presbyterian CDC, Bryker Woods Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and Anderson and Garza High Schools. He presented his portfolio and completed his Star Walk on May 1, 2006. Clarke graduated from Gonzalo Garza Independence High School on May 25, 2006. He told his mother that day was “the greatest day of my life.” He was involved in a single car crash on May 26, 2006. Clarke fought with all of his strength for five days, allowing his family and friends to tell him how much he was loved. Clarkie loved words. At an early age, he used to create books and told everyone he wanted to be an author. At age twelve, he read all of Shakespeare in Old English from a book his Paw Paw had given him. He became an amazing writer of poems and song lyrics. A gifted athlete, Clarke mastered any sport he ever tried. He participated in football, basketball and soccer at W.A.Y.A., basketball at G.E.A.Y.B.A., and baseball at NW Little League. He played football, basketball, and ran track in middle school, and football in high school. Watching him play was awe-inspiring, for God had granted him speed, agility, coordination, balance and determination. Clarke loved music, and was a talented musician. He played viola during the sixth grade, later taking up the guitar. He took great pleasure in shaking the walls of our house with his guitar playing. He loved to play riffs he had created, especially for family and friends. Now he can truly hear the music, he is a new creation. At the time of his death, Clarke was employed as a camera operator by Earl Miller Productions and by Mr. Gatti’s on Far West Blvd. Clarkie had the biggest heart of any child ever born. He loved all babies and adored his nephews and nieces. His love was boundless, including everyone who came into his path. He was our Golden Boy, his daddy’s Bear, his mom’s Angel, his beloved Sissy’s protector, our strength, our hope, our love, our heart of hearts. Clarke was knocked down many times in his short life, but he never quit. He always got back on his feet and pushed forward toward his goals, to make something of his life. He succeeded. Clarke was preceded in death by his adoring grandparents; Liney, Aline Adkins Spinks; Nanny, Robbi Kent Boutwell; Paw Paw, G. David Boutwell; and, Nonnie, Seareatha Matetich; and his darling cousin, Christopher Sebastian Wohlers. He is survived by his parents; his beloved Sissy, Heather Suzan Oglesby; his precious nephews and nieces, Roman, Gemma Rosa, Mallorie Margaret, and Matthew David; his adoring Pop, William H. Spinks of Vanderbilt, Texas; his aunts and uncles, Rodney King of Austin; Caroline and Jimmy Guckian of Round Rock, TX; Alannah and Tommy Mozisek of East Bernard, TX; Colleen and Jerry Paul Rozsypal of Vanderbilt; Lieuen and Lamar Boyd of Vanderbilt; Dawn and Jerry Boyd of Edna, TX; George and Martha Boutwell of Clifton, TX; Robbie Boutwell of Kyle, TX; great aunts and uncles, Faye Werger of Lafayette, LA; Wilbur Miles of Lafayette, LA; and J. E. and Margaret Ann Keller of Ingleside, TX; and numerous beloved cousins and friends. Clarke’s family wishes to thank Brackenridge Hospital’s ICU nurses Soon Cha, Sandy, and Nicole; and Dr. John Stokes; and, special thanks to our dear friends Dr. and Mrs. Richard and Nancy Tallman all of whom cared so kindly for Clarkie during this tragic time. We also wish to thank the congregations around Austin, and the multitudes around the world, who prayed for our son. We also thank, and continue to pray, for the families whose loved ones are still in ICU. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 4, 2006 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1705 Gattis School Road in Round Rock, Texas. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com