Born to Juanita (Bright) and George R. Clark in Corpus Christi, Bill spent a lifetime making friends and generating terrific stories. Bill attended W. B. Ray High School before going to New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM to finish high school and junior college. He finished his college degree at Stanford University, and his MBA at Harvard, before happily returning to his hometown.
What an example Bill set for us in his 84 years. His professional life revolved around helping people in his community as a local banker. It seemed like he knew everybody in town. He was a friend to many through his personal and business connections.
Prior to his career in banking, Dad spent many summers as a cowboy on La Palangana Ranch. He was in the saddle everyday– roping and riding and working hard. He learned ‘ranch Spanish’ that was perfectly functional in day to day life in South Texas but confused many a proper Spanish speaker. How we loved his story of bottle-feeding the calves, with an orphaned fawn, when disease had claimed many heifers.
Bill was initially pretty skeptical about the prospects of going to meet the girl from way out in Falfurrias, but he dutifully followed Mrs McCampbell’s advice – and was immediately smitten for his lifelong love, Peggy. Over their 56+ years of marriage, they kept a gracious, welcoming home where friends and family would often be invited into a boisterous game of Onze. And their travels were extensive and inspiring. Bill was an accomplished hunter and photographer. He regaled friends and family with stories and beautiful pictures from all across the Americas, Europe and Africa. Who can forget the chasing mamba, the Arctic polar bears, the raised walkways in Venice, or the whipping winds of Patagonia? Each story was so well told and such a reminder of Dad’s depth of character.
Though grief was his constant companion after Peggy’s passing last year, Papa Bill remained an exemplary, gracious host and friend, turning his attention toward watching the birds, butterflies, and wildlife at home. What a blessing that he took his last breaths there, in the place he loved.
Bill is survived by his daughter Kittie, son and daughter-in-law Will and Lizzie, and beloved grandchildren Warren and George.
A graveside service for family will be held at the Falfurrias Burial Park at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov 4, 2023. Later that morning, all are invited to a lunch and celebration of Bill's life at their home at La Mota from noon to 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
