Mitchell Gaston Clark Jr.

Mitchell Gaston Clark, Jr., beloved husband and devoted father, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 30th, 2021. He was born on April 25th, 1931 to the late Mitchell Gaston Clark and Flora Curtis Clark in Marion, NC.

Mitch or "M.G." as he was known, growing up in Marion, NC, had a wonderful career in the Charlotte commercial real estate market. After serving in the U.S. Navy at the beginning of the Korean War, he attended Appalachian State University. It was there that he met his devoted wife of 66 years, Joanne.

Upon graduation, Mitch began his work life as a physical education teacher and basketball coach at what is now AG Middle School. Shortly thereafter, Mitch went to work for Vinson Realty Company of Charlotte, beginning in their maintenance department. After many years of hard work, Mr. Clark rose to become the owner of the company, serving as president for a number of years. Mr. Clark was a certified property manager as well as a broker.

Along with others in the business community, Mr. Clark was instrumental in fueling the rapid growth of the city of Charlotte into what became a major player in the national business markets of then and now. A born leader, Mr. Clark served as president of the Charlotte Property Management Bureau and the Charlotte Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management. He also served as a director of the Charlotte Board of Realtors and on a number of committees of the board.

Anyone who knew Mitchell Clark could not help but love him. Mitch was a true "prince" of a man. A man who rarely raised his voice and kept his cool in the most trying of situations. Absolutely devoted to his family and a provider in every sense of the word. Of course, he had a terrific sense of humor and fun side. Anyone who spent a happy hour with him knows what we mean. Whether at the beach house or their Charlotte home, when five o'clock rolled around it was the place to be. Wonderful conversations always ensued and laughter abounded. Mitch's libation of choice was scotch. Starting with a couple of fingers, ice and a "sweetner" to follow. If Joanne would allow it, sometimes a second sweetner.

Mitch was a gifted "do it yourselfer." Honestly, he could fix just about anything, from a car to a refrigerator. His ingenuity and creativity were second to none. I recall once where he used the barrel of a ballpoint pen to spit gas into a carburetor to get the motor to turn over. A real life MacGyver.

Mitch was also quite the "ladies man." It was his quiet charming and gentle nature. While at Vinson Realty, he had three female office staff who collectively became known as his "girlfriends." His "girlfriends" (and their spouses of course) were lifelong friends of Mitch and Joanne. There never, ever, was a nurse who did not truly love Mitch (and the feeling was mutual).

Mitch was a true man who was not afraid to show his emotions. One never fully recovers from the loss of a child, and Mitch's heart was never far from his younger son, Rick, who passed away in 2003. It is hard to find a more compassionate or kinder man than Mitch Clark.

He was a lifelong member of Mouzon Methodist Church, as well as Emma Anderson Chapel at Topsail Beach, NC.

We will all miss Mitch, but will treasure the wonderful memories, such that he will never be far from our hearts.

He was preceded in death by twins that were lost at birth; son, Rick; wife, Joanne; brothers, James and Cecil Clark; and sister, Marguerite.

Mitch is survived by his son, Tommy Clark and wife Shelly; grandchildren: Krista Clark, Ryan Clark and wife Sara, and Devin Clark; beloved nieces, Karan Rounsavall and husband Tom, and Lisa Hilburn and husband Wayne; great-grandson, Eli Clark; as well as beloved sister-in-law, Bernice Clark.

There will be a visitation on Friday, August 6th, from 10:00-11:45 am at McEwen Funeral Home at Myers Park, with service to follow at 12:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.