Samuel Keller Clark, Sr.

Glade Spring, Va. 

On June 23, 2018, Samuel Keller Clark, Sr. left this world to stand before the Lord and to be reunited with his beautiful wife, Joan Berry Clark. Celebrating his 88th birthday just this week, for the last several years he had patiently battled lung disease, heart isease and prostate cancer all at once.  He was a strong man.
     
Born on June 18, 1930, he grew up in Abingdon, but lived most of his life in Glade Spring. Along the way, he called Norfolk, Charlotte, and Richmond home for a time. For much of his four years in the US Navy, the Atlantic Ocean was home as he served on board the U.S.S.  Sanborn. After the service, the GI Bill made it possible for him to become a pharmacist. For over 40 years, he owned and operated Clark's Pharmacy of Saltville, Virginia. He also helped found Valley Nursing Home of Chilhowie, Virginia. In retirement, he became a cattle farmer, finding peace in tending over one hundred Angus on his farm near Chilhowie. His hard work and determination employed many people, enriched his community, and provided a good life for his family. He was a smart man.
     
Along the way, Robin, Sam, Jr., Joe, Chris and Jill had the privilege of being Sam and Joan's children, raised in a loving home where the Lord was always respected. He was a Christian man.
    
Mr. Clark was preceded in death by his parents, William Trigg, Sr. and Katherine Keller Clark, and his brothers Bill and Doug. In 2005, he lost his beloved wife of 50 years, Joan Berry Clark.
    
He is survived by his younger sister, Mildred Katherine "Kitty" Baird, and his five children, Yvonne Harrison "Robin" Clark, Dr. Samuel Keller Clark, Jr.( Kathy ), Joe Berry Clark (Ginger), Christopher Mark Clark (Beth) and Anne Kimberley "Jill"  Hutton (Bill), as well as his daughter by love, Rebecca Martin. His grandchildren are Katherine McFry (Louis), Emily Lail (Jake), Kelly Hutton and Daniel Hutton. His great-grandchildren are SaraJo Lail, Gatlin Lail and seven week old Miss Kinleigh McFry. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
   
Mr. Clark's family wishes to recognize Dr. Emory Robinette for over 40 years both as Mr. Clark's physician and as his friend. The family is also extremely grateful to the kind and professional staffs of Abingdon Health and Rehab., English Meadows, and Johnston Memorial Hospital.
   
The Clark family is being served by Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon Virginia. The viewing will take place at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26. The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 27, at Green Spring Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Clark's pallbearers will be his sons Samuel Clark, Jr., Joe Berry Clark, and Christopher Mark Clark; his son-in-law William Hutton; his grandson Daniel Hutton; his grandsons-in-law Jake Lail and Louis McFry; and his great-grandson Mr. Gatlin Lail. Honorary pallbearers are his brother-in-law Mr. Preston Brown, his cousin John Kelly Clark, his dear friends Wade Phipps, Kennard Blevins and Tom McCall. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to one of the following: Sam Clark, Sr. Memorial at Narroway Productions, online at narroway.net or by mailing a check to Narroway Productions, 3327 Highway 51, Fort Mill, S.C. 29715; Church of New Beginnings, 10495 Forest Hills Dr., Glade Spring, VA 24340; Green Spring Presbyterian Church, 22007 Green Spring Church Road, Abingdon, VA  24211; or Chilhowie Christian Church, 172 Apple Valley Rd, Chilhowie, VA 24319. Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Samuel Keller Clark, Sr. is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.