William Clark, Jr. entered his Heavenly home on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Buddy, as he was known by his family and multitude of friends, was a born on December 21, 1944 to William Jesse Clark and Louise Robinson Clark. He was a native of Mobile, Alabama and a longtime resident of Saraland, Alabama. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and son-in-law James Harris Smith. He is survived by a large family including his wife of 54 years and the great love of his life, Doris Ross Clark, his daughter Vickie Clark Smith, and his two granddaughters, Megan Marie Smith and Bailey Nicole Smith. Buddy’s immediate family includes his sister Linda (Charles) Parker, sister Gale (Edmond) Eslava, sister Peggy (Larry) Enfinger, brother Roger (Diane) Clark, sister Sherry (John) Vellianitis, and sister in law Carolyn Ross Foster. Buddy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.
After living in Lynnhaven, Florida and Vermillion, Ohio, the family settled in Mobile where Buddy graduated from Murphy High School as an honor student. Buddy’s dream was to study engineering at Auburn University, but for many reasons, he entered the automotive industry where he became a successful entrepreneur and business owner. Buddy also served his country in the Army National Guard. He touched many lives and formed countless friendships through his business and community connections. Buddy leaves us with a legacy of excellence where education is paramount and hard work is essential. His example proved that anything worth doing was worth giving your best effort, and if you were just on time, you were 15 minutes late.
Buddy picked up a new nickname, Pops, with the birth of his eldest granddaughter. He was ever present at dance competitions, recitals, ball games, and a multitude of events through the Saraland city schools. He rarely missed anything that his granddaughters did and was so proud of the young women they are becoming. He was simply Pops to Megan and Bailey’s multitude of friends and he loved them all, especially Madi Burgess, who he considered his granddaughter. He was a good sport that really enjoyed the travel and vacations he took with his family and extended family.
Buddy was a light and inspiration in this world. His passing leaves a tremendous void, and his family and friends will miss him terribly. We will do our best to carry on his legacy and pass it to the next generations of his family. We are so proud that he has earned his Heavenly home, free from any illness and suffering, and look forward to the day that we will meet again.
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