Willis Gene Clark

Mr. Clark was born on February 27, 1939 in Earlville, NY to Burr and Irene Clark. Born and raised on the family farm, Will joined the military shortly after the Korean conflict and served as a missile instructor in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. That is where he met his wife of 50 years, Linda Clark, who came from the opposite side of the country, California. As with their meeting, their life was always a meeting in the middle; a balance of friendship.

After his military service Will moved back to New York and lived on a small farm in Afton while going to school to learn engineering. As an aircraft engineer he moved to Florida in the early 1980s and then to Douglasville, a suburb of Atlanta, GA in 1987 where he continued to work in aircraft engineering, earning several patents still in use on aircraft today. After retiring he worked for the Atlanta Journal for many years.

Beginning in the early 1990s he began hosting foreign exchange high-school students, which he continued until his passing. All were considered part of his family and many have returned to live in the US having fallen in love with the country after their experience as a student. As a result he is survived by 43 'children', both immediate and those extended family members scattered across the globe.

Known for his wry wit and easy humor, Will was a positive role model who loved the outdoors, family, and the many, many dogs he adopted over the years. His was a home never without a couple warm, friendly companions.

Will is survived by his wife, Linda Clark; daughter Tanya Clark of Jacksonville, Florida, and son Damian Clark of Texas and his wife Meerim; sister Joyce Day and her husband Carl of Earlville, NY and their extended family.

He will be joining his parents, Burr and Irene, who went before him and numerous pets awaiting to accompany him across the Bridge.

A memorial service will be Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church with Pastor Tom Myers officiating.

Those who wish to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at www.whitleygarner.com

Arrangements by: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246