Joseph Nathaniel Clark

Lt. Col. (Ret) Joseph Nathaniel Clark was born on March 24, 1934 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Born to proud parents, Robert Lomax and Theresa Hillary Clark, Joe, the youngest child, was blessed to grow up in a loving family, along with two brothers, Robert and Edward, and three sisters, Emily, Alberta and Vivian, all who have preceded him in death.

The Clark children, nurtured with a strong religious upbringing, attended Greater Bethel AME Church. As a youth, Joe attended weekly Sunday school, sang in the junior choir, and held numerous leadership positions. Over the years and throughout his travels, he maintained numerous church affiliations until he joined New Light Baptist Church in 1986, under the leadership of the current senior pastor, Rev. Cardes H. Brown. His passion for Christ and love of music inspired him to sing in the Men’s and Senior Choir. He actively engaged in many church activities to include serving as Family Day Committee Chairman.

Joe attended Miami Florida public schools and was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. He was active in many activities, but showed special interest in the chorus and public speaking. He was well known for his presentation of “If” by Rudyard Kipling. Pursuit of higher education led him to Hampton Institute on an oratorical scholarship where he graduated in 1953 with a B.S. in Sociology/History. His campus associations included Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Student Christian Association, Men’s Congress, National Honor Society, Student Government, Scabbard and Blade Military Fraternity and the Boxing Team. Joe later pursued a M.S., Business Management Degree from State University of New York.

His affiliation with ROTC Commissioned Officer training inspired him to enter the military in 1957 where he served in the Army for 21 years. Joe served two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam. He was also stateside and oversees in Japan, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Greenland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Panama and the Bahama Islands. He received numerous military awards and decorations to include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. While describing a proud moment in his military career, Joe emphasized that “as a young commanding officer in 1964 (Captain), I was successful in establishing control, discipline and a high level of efficiency to a mixed Korean and American unit after a major riot in Korea.”

In 1977, he retired from the U.S. Army. Following his retirement, Joe continued his service to the U.S. Government as the civilian Chief Officer of Procurement, Traffic Management Command, Bayonne, New Jersey. He later worked as the Director of Contracting at the Sealift Command in Bayonne. After eight years of civilian service, he held numerous private industry and county government positions.

Joe was passionate about working in the community, especially with young African American boys, while also holding a deep love for the elderly. Throughout his career and retirement, Joe volunteered and supported many organizations to include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. For over 16 years he served as President and Vice President of Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board, Chairman of the Volunteer Recruit Committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Alpha Phi Alpha/Big Brother Big Sister Liaison, and was a Youth Focus (United Way) board member. Informally, Joe mentored and was committed to developing a host of youth over the years. Known affectionally as “Daddy C”, he took under his wings the six “Hill boys” and Samantha, and loved them like his own for over thirty years.

Equally important to Joe was spending time with the elderly. Most remembered are his weekly Sunday afternoon visits playing chess and reminiscing with veterans at the VA hospital and at nursing homes. He assisted with tasks such as reading and writing personal correspondence, including very special time with his mother-in-law as they talked, then “napped” together.

To celebrate Joe’s commitment to his community, in 2003, he was awarded the WFMY News 2 “2 Those Who Care Service to the Piedmont Award”. As a true community ambassador of goodwill, he received the 2009 African American Leadership Distinguished Service and Achievement Award. Additionally, Joe held memberships and affiliations with the Retired Officer’s Association; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Lambda Chapter (50 years of service); Greensboro Tarheel Chorus; Hampton Alumnae Association; National Association of Purchasing Management; Purchasing Managers Association (Carolinas and Virginia); and the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America.

Joe was a true “family man” and patriarch. Although spread across the country, there was rarely a niece or nephew’s celebration, graduation, or wedding that he did not attend. He even drove to Miami during a hurricane to support the child birth of one of his nieces. During those travels to visit family, Joe would always find the perfect spot to fish, or “drop a line”, as he called it. He was not only well known for his love of fishing and boating, but his desire to help young people gain an appreciation for the sport.

Joe will be forever loved and cherished by his wife of 51 years, Anthanette Thomas Clark, Greensboro, NC. His life will continue to inspire their children Tasha Renée-Clark Pressley, High Point, NC and Marcia Clark Gresham (Paul), Upper Marlboro, MD, granddaughters Jahna Renée Crump and Kendall Jade Pressley; sister in-law, Yvonne Bynum; sister in-law Patricia Thomas; “play” daughters Victoria Bailey, La Verne Murray and Diedre Napoleon; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and a host of very special extended family and friends.