Joseph William Clark

Joseph W. Clark Sr., 81, of Wesley Chapel passed away on May 13, 2015. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, father and his first grandchild, Tiffany Lin Lawrence. He was born May 11, 1934 to Zeloma Watkins Clark and Nokomus Houston Clark in Henderson, N.C. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Suzanne McPhail Clark; his only son, Joseph W. Clark Jr and his wife, Noreen; grandchildren, Ryan, Jordan, Kirsten, Joseph III and Erin; great-grandchildren, Garrett, Joseph and Kaleigh; sister, Zeloma Clark Rountree; nephew, Nokomus and family all of Henderson, N.C.; brother-in-law, Jim McPhail; nieces, Sarah, Emily, Alexa and nephew, Jimmy; and close family member Bonnie McPhail. Joe was proud to serve his country in the Navy from 1951-1955 aboard the USS San Marcos LSD 25. After discharge from the Navy he enlisted in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Joe looked back on this time period as being some of the most exciting times of his life. Joe was employed as a deputy sherrif in Vance County, N.C. for a number of years before moving to Florida. He was employed as an officer in 1974 by the Hillsborouh County Aviation Authority. He retired as a LT in 1997. Pursuant to Joe’s request there will be no visitation or memorial service. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. There will be a brief graveside service for family members on May 20, 2015. The family wishes to extend a special heartfelt debt of gratitude to the following doctors who saved his life over and over again; Dr. Alexander Sonkin, Dr. Sami Elchahal, Dr. Edward Grant and Dr. Jeffrey L. Miller. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Joe’s memory to any of the following; Florida Pitbull Rescue (Rescue Me) 1800-800-3099; Florida Boxer Rescue (FBR) website or 8046 34th Ave n. St Petersburg, FL 33710; or any favorite animal rescue or charity of your choice.