Lewis Richard Clark

Lewis Richard Clark, 99 and four months, of Burke County died Friday, May 11, 2018, following several years of kind-hearted care at Shaire Center, Lenior. Lewis was a WW II veteran, having served in Italy as a motor-pool Sargent.

Lewis was born Sept. 22, 1918, in Tellico Plains, TN, to the late Minnie Bell Aldridge and Thomas Jackson Clark. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Hazel Haun and brother Dewey and sister Stella. As a child he grew-up in the Loray Mill/Firestone mill village in Gastonia, NC, where he was asked years later to meet Hazel at the train depot on her arrival from Tellico Plains. Within three months they married. Both then worked in the mill until retirement and moved to Burke County where they found fellowship and many friends at Zion Baptist Church.

Lewis leaves a much loved family that includes his only child, Larry Richard Clark and wife, Patricia Elaine, of Burke County; grandchildren Steven Richard and wife, Terrie, of West Jefferson; Alan Edward and wife, Monica, of Morganton; Susan Elaine and husband, David Smith, of Pleasant Garden; along with nine great-grandchildren Samuel Richard Clark and soon to be wife, Kate, of Bentonville, Arkansas; Houston Perry Clark and wife, Talara, of West Jefferson; Ava McKay Clark, student at Western Carolina, Emme Kate Clark, and Elias Wakefield both of Morganton, Alexander Smith, student at UNC-Wilmington, Caldwell Smith, Elaine Smith and Charlotte Smith all of Pleasant Garden.

He retired from Firestone Textile Mill after 42 years as a fixer, champion doffer and third-shift supervisor. Thereafter followed a decade as a traveling display installer for Shiflet-Dickson of Gastonia. Lewis enjoyed bowling, poker, fishing, square-dancing, woodworking and wise-crack jokes. Just as his mother made people laugh, he was able to leave those around him with a smile.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday May 18 at Zion Baptist Church on Hwy 181 North. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Keith Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3394 Pea Ridge Road, Morganton 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.