John Clark

1931 - 2026

John Clark, 95, began his walk with the Lord this past Sunday.

He was born in Abingdon, Virginia to the late James and Bessie Clark (youngest son, two brothers and two sisters). He was the last survivor in his generation of Clarks who were from Scotland.

He was married to the love of his life, Ina, for 75 years. She was always “his person.” He has a daughter, Elaine and son-in law, a nephew and several nieces.

Mr. Clark was a graduate of William King High School, and carpentry and electronics at trade school in Abingdon.

He was a Korean War veteran, serving our country in the Navy on the USS Wisconsin. His last trip was in 2019 on an Honor Flight for veterans to Washington, D.C.

He worked for Raytheon and Eastman and served many couples with their wedding day as a professional photographer, and after retirement, a ranger at Warriors Path Golf Course. He was a good carpenter and built many buildings and minor projects throughout the years. He was a master at “rigging” things.

He enjoyed playing golf and earned several trophies in tournaments. His favorite golfer was Arnold Palmer. He enjoyed many television shows—favorite series was “Touched by an Angel.” He loved going to the beach.

Favorite sports teams included Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, University of Tennessee Vols and Dobyns-Bennett Indians. He enjoyed playing cards and bingo, where he proudly won gifts for his wife and daughter. He enjoyed eating good food and the last few years preferred mini moon pies and mini Reeces cups.

As proud as he was of his service in the military and enjoyment of sports, nothing compared to his love for his family and service to members of the church. For over 40 years, he served First Baptist Church of Kingsport members by helping with audiovisual broadcasts, services and recordings. For those who knew him, you may recall seeing him carrying a briefcase because the contents had copies of many services, etc. He also served as church photographer, deacon and many committees. His part in finding the original church at First Baptist was instrumental in the renovation of the chapel.

Family extends a heartfelt thank you to all of the many staff in Assisted Living facilities and hospice who took care of him, especially Preston Place II and Smokey Mountain Hospice. Also, thank you to the Veteran’s Administration team in Kingsport and Comfort Keepers who truly gave him a better quality of life for the last couple of years. A quote from one of his nurses at Preston Place: “He was fiercely independent, stubborn, strong and proud. He never took the easy option. No matter how difficult things became for him to physically manage, he was determined to maintain as much independence as he possibly could. His softer side was so joyful and child like. My love and admiration of him will always be part of me. Helping him through his struggles and sharing in his joys has made me a better person and nurse. I appreciate things differently and with more depth.”

He was truly dedicated to fulfilling what he believed to be God’s purpose.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. Entombment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Posts 3/265.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Kingsport or, in John’s honor, to R U Kitten Me – The Rescue, a local nonprofit cat rescue that provides medical care for the kitties at Boops & Beans Cat Café. Donations may be made at www.rukittenme.org. This is very fitting for John, as he was always a big lover of cats and always had one.