Born on March 8, 1947, in Richmond, Virginia, Gary lived a life of service, devotion, and love. At a young age, he answered the call to serve his country, proudly enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. A Vietnam veteran, Gary dedicated 10 years to the Marine Corps, embodying the values of honor, courage, and commitment throughout his military career and beyond.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, James William Clarkson, Sr.; his mother, Dora Ann Clarkson; his sister, Lucy; his granddaughter, Juliana Rae Clarkson; and his best friend, Arthur English.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Martha Ann Clarkson of Shenandoah, VA; his children, Gary Wayne Clarkson, Jr. and his wife Kathryn, Jennifer Marie Halper and her husband Jeff, and Daniel Eugene Clarkson and his wife Kimberly. He was a proud grandfather to David, Gary T., Benjamin, Anna, Matthew, Rebecca, Lila, Brenna, Kenneth, Andrew, Joseph, Sophie, Henry, and Lena. Gary is also survived by his brother, James William Clarkson, Jr. (76) of Oklahoma.
Gary’s life was filled with the simple joys of family and friend gatherings, his dogs, fishing, and the quiet life well-lived. He will be remembered for his warm heart, and generosity.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Lindsey-Kyger Funeral Home, 703 Maryland Avenue, Shenandoah, VA. A funeral service honoring Gary’s life and service will be held on August 1, 2025 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Luray, VA at 11 a.m, luncheon reception will follow. Burial with military honors will follow at a later date at Quantico Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org, in memory of Gary’s cherished granddaughter, Juliana Rae.
Semper Fi.
