HICKORY – Richard “Rick” Clark, 61 of Hickory passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at his home with his family by his side after a long, fought battle with cancer.
Preceded in death by his mother Marilouse King (Jerry Shinsky) of DeLeon Springs, FL.
Along with his loving wife Rendy S. Clark, also of Hickory, who was Rick’s caregiver until he passed, he is survived by his sons, Ryan Clark (Shizuka) of Rio Rancho, NM, Thomas “TomTom” Clark of Mountain View, NC and daughter, Meagan Clark (Zach) of Lincolnton, NC; bonus son, Lukas Snyder of Hickory, NC currently stationed in Norfolk, VA and bonus daughter, Lindsey Snyder of Jefferson, GA; grandchildren, Elliott, Dana, Gunnar, Audree, Brynna, Lillian, and baby Ada arriving soon; father, Richard Clark (Aileen) of Hildebran, NC; brothers, Thomas “Tom” Clark (Adrian) of Ormond Beach, FL, William “Bill” Clark (Sherry) of DeLeon Springs, FL and Warren Clark of Hildebran, NC; sisters, Tiffany Vlasich (Zach) of Hickory, NC Kelly Leslie (Kenneth) of Republic, WA and Kimberly Thompson of Crescent City, FL.
Rick was a retired Senior Chief of the United States Navy and traveled the globe as an Aerographer’s Mate. This gave Rick a passion for exploring new places and he loved taking Rendy on different road trip adventures across the country. He was always adding new destinations to their vacation “bucket list”.
Rick loved to garden and stated many times that as a young boy he wanted to grow up to be a farmer. Every year, spring couldn’t get here fast enough for Rick to get his garden plowed and seeds planted. If you knew him, then you knew a friend and you were certainly going home with an ear full of sea stories and an arm full of vegetables.
Rick was proud to be an American and deeply loved his country. One of his most beloved quotes was JFK’s famous “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”.
A special thanks to the hospice team at Carolina Caring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help others in need at www.CarolinaCaring.org/our-foundation.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
