John Clark

Waterloo, SC

John Francis Clark, Sr., 70, resident of 594 Turtleback Trail, Waterloo, SC, passed away at home on Monday, May 8, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Abbeville, SC on January 25, 1953 the son of late Edgar Rufus Clark, Sr. and Melda McCombs Clark.

John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Simmons Clark, and his two sons, John Francis Clark, Jr. (Crystal) and William Simmons Clark (Beccah) along with three Grandchildren, Lauren(10), Kevin(7), and Cooper (3) and a sister Melinda Clark Gray (Sandy).

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Edgar R Clark, Jr. and a nephew, Craig Williams Clark.

He was a member of The Connection United Methodist Church in Coronaca. He was a lifelong learner and continuously furthered his education. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Lander University, John earned a master’s degree in Physical Education and later a specialist degree in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina. As a lifelong educator, he helped shape the lives of many students. Among many other teaching and school administration roles, he served as principal of John De Le Howe School in McCormick for 11 years.

John was an avid golfer; the captain of Stoney Point’s interclub team for several seasons. He also loved quail hunting with his faithful Brittany Spaniel, Millie. He shared his passion for golf and hunting with both of his sons. As a Freemason, John served through all of the chairs and was a Past Master of the Clinton Lodge #3.

John was a good-looking, smart man who loved cooking, camping, grilling, and working with his hands. He built many docks, decks, and even a horse barn. In the kitchen, he would always try to match the talents of his mother. He loved an afternoon pontoon ride with Mary and would faithfully drive her to the concerts that she loves to attend. His dry, sarcastic wit made John a joy to know and be around. His learned and ‘common sense’ approach to problem solving seemed to tackle almost every obstacle.

A celebration of John’s life will be held Thursday, May 11^th at 4:00 pm at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home Chapel at 208 S. Main St in Abbeville, SC with the Rev. Joey Gambrell officiating with Masonic Rites to follow. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 2:30 until 4:00 PM at the funeral home prior to services. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorials in memory of John be made to Agape Care (Hospice) via The Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation or to the Clinton Masonic Lodge #3 AFM. Special thanks to Dr. Ahmad Rahal and all the staff at the Self Regional Cancer Center in Greenwood for their excellent care and compassion.

Online condolences may be made to the Clark family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com

The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Clark family.