Ray Clarence Clark Jr.

Ray C. Clark was a family man and a patriot. He was born March 20, 1928 in Byars, Oklahoma to Ray and Eva Wilkerson Clark. He died on November 2, with Doris, his wife of 74 years by his side, in Salem Oregon. He was 95.

Chester and Glenn Clark were his brothers, both of which predeceased him. During WWII, his Father was drafted into the US Army and reported to Camp Beale near Marysville, California. Before the family moved to Marysville, his mother died of cancer. Following the end of the war, Clark's Shoe Repair was begun in Marysville. Ray graduated from Marysville High School in 1950. Ray joined the US Marine Corps in 1949, stationed in San Diego, California. In 1949, he married Doris Lopes, also a graduate of Marysville High School. They met on a blind date, marrying a year later. The US involvement in the Korean War, directed his decision to make the Marines his career. Their first child, a daughter, Dana Ray Clark, was born in 1950, in San Diego, California. A son, Cullen "Cuffy" J. Clark was born in 1955, in Yuba City, California while Ray was stationed in San Francisco.

Ray's primary assignments were as a supply chief. In 1953, Ray received orders for Korea. After his tour in Korea, he was stationed in San Francisco. His next duty station, in 1958, was to the desert of Barstow, California. He was chosen to become a Marine recruiter and was assigned to Salem, Oregon in 1961. In 1963, he received orders to Vietnam. After his eighteen month tour in Vietnam, he was stationed in Bangor, Washington where he served the remainder of his career with the Marines. He served with distinction and honor during his twenty year commitment to the US Marine Corps. When he retired, in November 1966, the family remained in Keizer, Oregon. He began his second career in 1966, at the Oregon State Penitentiary in central supply. His career as a state employee lasted seventeen years.

Upon his retirement, he began his volunteer with the Hatfield Marine Science Center. For 20 years he helped shape this volunteer program that is still active. Each docent becomes an expert in whales and their habitat along the Oregon coast. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Ray enjoyed music. His wife Doris enjoyed signing with Festival Chorale Oregon, and Ray was her biggest fan. Together they donated time and financial support.

Ray's children predeceased him. Cuffy in 1977, and Dana in 2002. He is survived by his wife Doris, his granddaughter Katrina Paoff and husband, Rick, and great granddaughters Katelyn and Hayden Paoff of Salem. Other relatives saddened by his death are Skip and Lynda Johnston of Dallas, Oregon, great, great nephew James Johnston of Corvallis, Oregon and great, great niece Katherine and husband Joseph Hoda of Salem. The Hodas have three children Jacob, Samuel and Mina. It was a mouthful to call him great, great, great uncle so loving he was simply Uncle Ray. Penny Clark, his sister-in-law is living in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Chester and Penny's children, Norma and Deborah live in San Diego, California.

A memorial service will be help on November 16, at Faith Lutheran Church 4505 River Rd N, Keizer, at 3 pm with full military honors. An interment ceremony will be held at Willamette National Cemetery at a later date. Virgil T. Golden is handling the arrangements. To share memories of Ray, or leave a condolence online use the address: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituary/11525063. Flowers are gratefully declined, but a donation to the American Cancer Society are greatly appreciated. Doris would like to thank the staff at Salem Hospital and Kitron Residential Care for their exceptional care of Ray during his final days.