Kenneth Harold Clark

Kenneth Harold Clark, 70, died Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at his home following several years of declining health. He was born in Burke County on May 21, 1942 and was a son of the late Robert Delane Clark and Ann Keller Clark. Mr. Clark was a graduate of Appalachian State University where he received his Bachelors, Masters, and EDS degrees. He retired in 2000 after 37 years of service as an educator in the Burke County Schools. He served as principal at Mull, Drexel, and Salem Elementary schools and at Freedom High School. Early in his teaching career, he coached school athletic teams while he was himself a Golden Gloves boxer. He was also a partner in his family’s business, Catawba Valley Medical Services.As a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church, Harold served on numerous church committees and the Administrative Board. He was a Sunday School teacher and a member and past president of the United Methodist Men. In addition to his devotion to his church, he was an active participant in many activities in the Oak Hill Community.Surviving are his wife, Gail Buchanan Clark of the home; his sons and their wives, Ken and Brigitte Clark, Tim and Bridget Clark all of Morganton, and Greg and Lena Clark of Asheville; his grandchildren, Caroline, Christopher, Logan, Ella, Ian, and Sofia Clark; brothers and their wives, Charles and Lou Ann Clark, George and Nancy Clark, and Carl and Susan Clark, all of Morganton; sisters, Huse Clark Powell and husband, Bob, and Nell Clark Lail all of Morganton, and Saundra Clark Beck and husband, Darryl of Thomasville; brothers-in-law, John Rhyne and Earl McMahon; sister-in-law, Nancy Clark; and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Clark, and by sisters, Ruth Greene, Joyce McMahon, and Julia Rhyne.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2012, at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Reverends David Lawrence and Mike Wakefield officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Oak Hill United Methodist Church Activity Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church Columbarium Fund, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home & Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.