William Henry Clarkson Jr.

In 1943, after high school, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army. He literally spent his 20th birthday off the coast of Omaha Beach, as a part of the D-Day invasion during WW2.

Once the war ended, Bill attended college at Hampton Institute in Virginia. Bill became a proud fraternity member of Alpha Phi Alpha.

After graduation, Bill received a commission and was back in the army for the Korean War. Bill completed his military career with an Honorable Discharge at the rank of First lieutenant.

Bill continued his education at University of Chicago while working and raising a family in the Chicagoland area. First on the west side of town before moving his family to the Village of Oak Park in April 1968, becoming one of the first families to integrate that city. Before retiring, Bill worked in management for the Village of Oak Park.

In the early 1990's, Bill and Jill relocated to Sarasota, FL where he continued his love of sports, especially baseball, golf and auto racing.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William H. Clarkson Sr. and Ethel Lacy Clarkson; sisters, Alma Clarkson/Marshall and Amy Clarkson/Moton; brother, Sidney Clarkson; first wife, Thelma Clarkson/Darden; and second wife, Jill Clarkson/Marshall.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Debra Clarkson; sons, Alan Clarkson and Gregory Clarkson (Tracey); and grandsons Justin Clarkson & Brian Clarkson.

He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Victoria Sanderson and Carrie Meo-Owens; and step-granddaughters, Rachel and Jilly Sanderson, Nicole and Danielle Meo.

A memorial service for William will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St Wilfred Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Road, Sarasota, FL 34233.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William's memory may be made to St Wilfred Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Road, Sarasota, Florida 34233 US, https://stwilfred.dioswfl.org.