Josef Everette Clark Sr.

Josef Everett Clark, Sr., of Lexington, S.C., died unexpectedly on August 5, 2026. He was born in Lexington, SC at Liverman Hospital on July 9, 1951. He is survived by his two beloved children, Josef Everett Clark, Jr. (Rhett) and Kathryn Clark Lever (Katy). Rhett and his wife, Emily O'Connor Clark, and two children Josef Everett, III (Connor) and Charlotte Marie (Charli) reside in Columbia. Katy and her husband, Stephen Thomas Lever, and children, Ryan Thomas (Ryan), Joshua Davis (Josh), and Ann-Reece Rebecca (Ann-Reece) reside in Lexington. He is also survived by his two sisters, Vera Clark Baker (Andy) of Houston, TX and Ellen Wingard Clark (Deb) of Brevard, NC. He is also the proud uncle of two nieces and a great-uncle of two nieces and one nephew. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Marianne (Mary) Honrath Clark and Everett Wingard (Wink) Clark, his nephew, Arthur Clark Baker, and his two closest friends, Stephen (Steve) Hampton Caughman and William (Bill) Deaderick Snyder.

Joe's parents met while "Wink" was serving in Germany during World War II and married in September 22, 1948. Marianne bravely came to the United States as a war bride through Ellis Island. His early childhood years were spent living in the upstate where his father was employed. When Joe was seven, Wink was tragically killed in a car accident, and the family moved back to Lexington to be near Wink's brothers and sisters. At this time, his family became members of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, and there, he remained a member throughout his adult life. Joe attended Lexington One schools from first grade through high school, where he was a member of the football, basketball, and track and field teams. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1969 and chose to further his education at the University of South Carolina.

Joe began a career in the corrugated box industry at Inland Container. In 1975, he saw an industrious opportunity and bravely opened Action Container, Inc with three partners. This business, consisting of designing and manufacturing boxes, was very successful for over 25 years, until he and the owners, Edwin Corley and Karen Lucas, decided to close in 2002. At that time, Joe continued his career as a designer and salesman in the same industry with Unisource, Inc. He was later transferred to Florida where he resided for several years. Upon retirement, he returned to Lexington and lived in the house in which he grew up on Berly Street, with his dog and faithful companion, Sadie.

Joe was a member of both the Lexington Sertoma and Rotary Clubs and served as a board member on the Lexington County Gamecock Club. For years, Joe prepared and served meals on Wednesday nights at St. Stephen's. More recently, Joe was part of the Stagger Inn Breakfast Club and a monthly men's BBQ lunch group.

Joe's hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, cooking, doing sudoku and crossword puzzles, playing cards, and attending Gamecock sporting events. He always lived life to the fullest and loved being with his friends and family. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and his most favorite past time was attending their weekly sporting events and extracurricular activities.

A celebration of Joe's life will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Lexington, SC. The family will greet friends after the service in the social hall. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 119 N. Church Street, Lexington, SC 29072.