Paul Edward Clark

Paul, 80, passed away peacefully Friday, July 10, 2026, at his home in Charlotte, NC, narrowly missing his 81st birthday, which would have been August 1st. He was in the company of his loving family and under the devoted care of hospice.

Born August 1, 1945, in Connecticut, he was the son of the late Robert LeCron Clark and Mariana Lloyd Clark. Because his father was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany during World War II, Paul spent some of his early school years abroad, where he first developed an exceptional knack for romantic languages. He later attended the Taft School (Class of 1963), playing center on the varsity football team—which he humorously blamed for loosening his teeth—and wrestling on the varsity squad, where he picked up moves and holds he would playfully try out on his family for years to come.

Paul went on to attend Dartmouth College as part of the Class of 1967, where he was a proud member of the Chi Phi rugby fraternity. Taking a brief detour from his studies, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in March 1966. Choosing to become a security policeman over a cook—thinking it would offer a bit more authority, a theory he quickly found was mistaken—he served as a military cop charged with base security and guarding jets. His service included a deployment in Thailand as well as assignments with the 380th Combat Defense Squadron at Plattsburgh AFB (where he was promoted to Airman Second Class), the 56th Combat Support Group in San Francisco, and the 438th Police Squadron at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. After earning an honorable discharge and an official certificate recognizing his outstanding performance in the air policeman course, Paul returned to Dartmouth, completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971.

Following his military service and college graduation, Paul initially began his career in banking before following his true passion into the riskier, more dynamic world of hospitality. He became an entrepreneurial force, owning and operating two successful bar and restaurant locations in Rock Hill, SC. It was at one of these very restaurants that he met the love of his life, Mary Katherine Anderson. He later transitioned into the food distribution business, working as a dedicated food salesman for major distribution centers. Known for his warmth, reliability, and sharp business acumen, Paul became a familiar, trusted face to countless restaurateurs throughout the Rock Hill, Charlotte, and Fort Mill areas.

An avid supporter of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Paul had a deep appreciation for nature and loved purchasing fine pieces of art from local artists. His hands were rarely still; he found great joy in woodworking and spent many happy hours gardening and planting. An outdoorsman at heart, he was particularly passionate about fishing, especially deep-sea fishing, which led him to pursue various boating and offshore adventures, including memorable trips to Panama. Yet, among all his talents, cooking remained his true hallmark. He was legendary for hosting large, vibrant parties centered around oyster roasts and perfectly smoked briskets. Through his food and natural warmth, Paul brought countless friends and family members to the table in joyful celebration. If you didn’t know him when you walked into a room, it would not be long before you did—everyone knew him, and everyone loved him.

The true hallmark of Paul’s life was his genuine love for people. He possessed a rare, effortless ability to make friends with anyone, anywhere. If he took an interest in you, he instantly became your biggest champion. He was also a fierce and passionate believer in the power of education; acting on this belief with characteristic humility, he quietly and anonymously put individuals through culinary school to help them achieve their dreams.

The greatest joy of Paul’s life was his family. He was completely devoted to his beloved wife, Mary Katherine Anderson Clark, whom he married in 1976 and cherished deeply until her passing in 2015. He is survived by his three children, Geoffrey Lloyd Clark; Marianna LeCron Hoffmann and her husband Grant; and Beverly Jeanette Phillips and her husband Benjamin. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Lane, Geoffrey, Paulie, Matthew, Marianna, Finnegan, and Caitriona. He is also survived by his brother, Daniel Clark and his wife Deborah, and their daughter Kate; his brother, Christopher (Kiff) Clark and his wife Carol; his sister, Victoria (Tory) Dibner and her husband Daniel, and their children Rory, Loni, and Bern.

In addition to his beloved wife Mary Katherine, Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mariana Clark; his brother, Peter Clark; and his nephew, Tim Clark.

Arrangements for a service to celebrate Paul’s life will be announced at a later date.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider making a donation in his name to the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (www.sewe.com) to support the outdoors and keeping wildlife wild, or consider purchasing a piece of art from a local artist in his honor.

Condolences may be offered online at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.