Vince Clark

SELMA-Vince Clark died at home January 14, surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with cancer. Vince leaves behind his loving wife of 31 years, Carolyn Clark, and their children Wendy Maidon, Janet Wall and husband, Tony and Justin Clark and wife, Nikki. Grandchildren Erica and Ashley Williams, Savannah Matthews and Anthony, Wyatt and Joshua Wall loved their Papa dearly. Vince is also survived by his mother, Marie L. Clark, brothers Kevin Clark, Thomas Clark, Joseph Clark and Eddie Clark and sisters Kathleen Hampton, Eileen Pruette, Jeanne Evans and Maureen Maingi. Vince will also be missed by his loving in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews. Vince was predeceased by his son, Jason Clark (2008) and his father, Vincent Edward Clark (2010). Vince’s life was marked by quiet strength, diligent work and an unwavering devotion to family. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, Vince was the beloved son of Marie C. Clark and the late Vincent E. Clark. The oldest of 9 children, Vince spent his early years in New Jersey and Kansas City, nurturing his passion for baseball and music. He earned his business degree from Rockhurst College. In 1980, Vince and son, Jason, moved to North Carolina to be closer to family. North Carolina was good to Vince; it was where he met and married his true love, Carolyn. Carolyn will always be grateful that God’s plan brought them together. Vince gave Carolyn the gift of encouragement to follow her dreams. That gift led Carolyn to play the piano, and pursue her education, graduating from Meredith College. Vince worked for Nomaco for 20 years, most recently as VP of Finance. His colleagues referred to him as the business sage, wise in all things. Vince was a man of few words, but listened with all his heart. He loved jazz music; it matched the mellow way he lived his life. Vince knew how to bask in the simple pleasures; holding hands with his wife, watching a KC Royals baseball game with his son, or delighting his grandchildren with shoulder rides. Recently, Vince and Carolyn visited New York City. There, they had their picture taken on the steps of the NYC Library, flanked by those famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude. How perfect Vince had his picture taken with the virtues he lived best; patience and fortitude. Vince will be sorely missed at the Clark beach week, an annual tradition gathering the Clark clan to the North Carolina shores. Vince was the resident body surfing coach. If you wanted to learn how to catch the right wave, Vince was your man. He taught many a niece and nephew how to patiently wait for the right wave, be ready when it comes and ride it to shore. No doubt Vince is looking back over his life thinking, “Man, what a sweet ride.” Services for Vince Clark will be held Tuesday January 17th at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 3000 E. Garner Rd, Raleigh, NC.  Visitation will be held at 2pm, followed by a funeral service at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.