Edward Clarke

Waynesville, Edward Neal Clarke, age 68, of Top View Drive, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Duke University Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of Lucy Green Clarke and the late Roy Wilson Clarke, and was also preceded in death by one son, Kevin Clarke. In addition to his mother, Lucy Green Clarke, he is survived by his wife of 48 years, Evelyn Clarke; one daughter, Angie Gaddy and her husband, Anthony, of the Bethel community and his granddaughter, Emily; one son, Keith Clarke and his wife, Lisa, of Raleigh; one sister, Jewell Kilby, of Sebring, Florida; and one brother of Waynesville. He was a US Army veteran, having served with the 82nd Airborne Division and was employed in the Shipping Department at Dayco, retiring after 32 years service. Neal never met a stranger. When the rare chance arose to meet a new friend, he would learn more about them in a short time where with most folks, it would take a few months. Neal remembered details and stories, and found out if someone was related to him whether that relative was aware of it or not! Neal love to talk about his family, and he beamed when he spoke of his granddaughter, Emily, and fishing and living in the mountains he always called "Home." The Atlanta Braves, the New York Yankees, and his beloved Tar Heels kept him cheering, and quite often, pacing the floor. Neal loved his Lord, and listened to gospel music daily, and you could often hear his distinctive tenor voice singing along. If a church service was playing on television, he would begin watching it, and become quickly engrossed in the message. Neal could never get enough of the message of hope and the promise of Eternal Life through his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can only imagine the joyful reunion that Neal had with his son, Kevin, and how they must already be sharing the best fishing holes in Heaven. Neal and Kevin are preparing the Homecoming for the rest of the family and "Hallelujah," what a time of rejoicing that will be. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2012 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Claude Surrett officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. on Sunday prior to services at the funeral home.

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