Mr. Ray Lee Clark

Ray Lee Clark, Chief U.S. Navy Retired, passed away on Father’s Day, June 18th 2017, with family in Patrick County, Virginia. He was 81.

Ray was born November 1935 in Woolwine, Virginia to William Bryan and Hollis Myrtle Clark along with six siblings. He is survived by his younger brother Mike Clark, and wife Diane, also of Woolwine. He graduated from Woolwine High school in 1954, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 – 1974.
Ray Clark specialized as a Dental Tech while in the U.S Navy. His tour of duty saw him stationed aboard the USS Bennington; Marine Corps Station Quantico, Virginia; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; USN Submarine Base New London Connecticut; In Combat as Corpsman with 1St Marine 1St Dental Battalion USMC Danang Vietnam; USS Everglades Charleston Naval Base, South Carolina; and Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee.
During his tenure, he received the following Naval Awards: Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct medal (5), National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal (Fleet Marine Forces -3 campaigns), Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with device.
Upon leaving the Navy, he built and operated his own Dental Lab from 1974 – 1984 in Atoka, TN until returning to his hometown in Patrick County, VA.
Ray possessed a strong faith in the Lord and sang in the Betheleers Gospel Quartet from 1979-1982 for the Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with family. He cared for many ailing relatives throughout his life, and always had a story to share that would brighten your day, or bring a smile to your face. Ray had a twinkle in his eye, and a grin that will always be fondly remembered by those that knew and loved him.
Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Yvonne Clark and four sons, Ray Lee Clark Jr. and wife Denise, Blaine Clark and wife Denise, Woodie Clark and wife Kim, Jonathan Clark, seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. In their Fathers footsteps, all of his sons chose a career of service. Ray Lee and Woodie are Retired Captains U.S. Navy, Blaine for the U.S. Post Office, and Jonathan as a State Trooper, Virginia State Police, and currently as Major US Army.
There will be a viewing at Moody Funeral Home, Thursday, June 22nd from 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held, Friday, June 23rd at 10am, followed by interment at Sycamore Baptist Church. Military rites will be conducted by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

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