Col. Zack C. Clark

Zack was born in Lenoir, North Carolina, to Elnora and Zack R. Clark. He grew up on the family farm, attended Happy Valley School, and studied civil engineering at North Carolina State University. After graduating from NCSU, he joined the United States Air Force as a Navigator, received a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University, and went on to have a distinguished military career, rising to the rank of Colonel. A military colleague once remarked, "Whatever Zack does, he does it the best."

While growing up in Lenoir, Zack met and eventually married the love of his life, Reba Louise Laws. Together, these two kids from rural North Carolina went on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the world with the Air Force and raising their family. They had a relationship that could inspire movies and are the truest definition of life partners. They were married for 68 years.

Despite his career achievements and world travels, Zack never lost touch with his roots. He had a deep passion for the family farm and remained active throughout his retirement. Zack had the work ethic of five men, and the energy of a man a quarter of his age. He enjoyed working outdoors, exploring the land with his grandchildren, and beating them at poker. They kept him young.

Zack was a gifted storyteller, with an extensive memory of the family farm, Lenoir, and the people who once called it home. He loved going on long rides in the woods, telling stories, and sharing intricate details about every tree and rock along the way. When he spoke, it was like being transported back in time; the area would come alive.

Zack will be remembered for the love he had for his family, his kindness, and his wit. The "Colonel" often referred to himself as "just an old farm boy," with a wry smile that reflected his humility and sense of humor. Zack's life is a testament to treating people with respect, working hard, and living life on your own terms. It was a life well-lived, and he will be greatly missed by many.

Zack is survived by his wife, Reba Clark, four children: Donna (Tom) Reeves, Sonja (Tom) Leighton, Mona (John) Czupak, and Nina (Bill) Moody, three grandchildren: Thomas Leighton, Christopher Czupak, and Conner Austin, and his sister, Gail (Clark) Lovette. He is preceded in death by his siblings: Gary Clark, Rita (Clark) Tussey, and Dale Clark. Zack will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, and there will be a memorial service at a time to be determined.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWood.com for the Clark family.

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

of sun-split clouds,-and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace

Where never lark nor ever eagle flew-

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Written By: John Gillespie Magee, Jr.