Larry Thomas Clark

Larry Thomas Clark, 78, of Waynesville, NC, passed from this life peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 25, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Washington Clark and Addie Day Clark Paschal. He was born November 12, 1945 and raised in Wilkes County, NC. He graduated from Rankin High School in Greensboro, NC. He helped raise his three younger sisters, who looked up to him immensely and loved him more than anything.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Brenda Moore Clark; his children, Lewis Clark (Emily), Buffy Bingham, Tommy Clark (Connie), Dana Moore (Luke Perry), Sarah Davis (Alex); his grandchildren, Harper and Josie Clark, Jace and Kayla Bingham, Mason, Britton, and Harvey Clark, Clara Moore and Avery Moore-Perry, Ada and Willa Davis; his great grandchild, Graysan Sarwacinski; and his sisters, Cindy Nelson (Junior), Sharon Crigler (Steve) and Jackie Khosrowpour (Saied).

Larry was committed to building the best possible life for his wife and children, neighbors, and friends. He worked every day to ensure they lived a better life and had more opportunities than he did in his humble beginnings in Wilkes County.

He was co-owner and President of Clark & Leatherwood Inc. for 36 years, where he was committed to providing a quality product and formed lifelong friendships with many of his clients. Larry and his partner, Ron Leatherwood’s, continued partnership and honesty with each other was the foundation of the company’s success. Clark and Leatherwood’s buildings can be seen around Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and embody the quality, integrity and attention to detail that not only defined Larry Clark, but also his relationship to others.

Larry was a proud member of the Waynesville Rotary Club, having served for 35 years. He was presented with the Rotary Tony Award in 2014, given to a Rotarian who has shown a lifetime commitment to "Service Above Self”. He was also awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship multiple times. He led the Salvation Army bell ringing for many years and people looked forward to a cup of hot chocolate delivered by Larry on cold evenings.

He was currently serving on the Board of Directors for Haywood Electric Membership Corporation where he served as President for 11 years and was a member of the board for over 33 years. He took his role very seriously and was a respected and dedicated member.

He has served on the Advisory Board of Directors for United Community Bank since 2002, Red Cross Emergency Funds Committee since 1999, and United Way Day of Caring Co-Chair since 2005.

He was committed to serving his community. He served on the boards of Crabtree-Iron Duff Elementary School PTA (Parent Teacher Association), Crabtree-Iron Duff Fire Department, Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, Haywood County Literacy Council, Haywood County United Way, Haywood County Economic Development Commission, Haywood Vocational Opportunities, and Parents Against Teen Suicide.

Larry loved working on his farm, spending time with his family, visiting with friends, and fishing in Montana. He had a lifelong love of learning, and he would seek out all the information he could on a topic until he had mastered it. He always had an entertaining story to share, and he loved to tell stories and laugh with friends.

Larry will forever be remembered for his strong work ethic, commitment to family, and the love he shared with everyone who knew him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville. A service to celebrate the life of Larry Clark will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Matt Pruett officiating. A private family interment will be held. Serving as pallbearers are Cole Carson, Scotty Ledford, Rick Robinson, Shawn Robinson, Cheyenne Wilson and Tyrell Mehaffey. Honorary pallbearers are Ron Leatherwood, Mike McKinney and David Noland.

Services will livestreamed for Mr. Clark. 

The family would like to thank Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care for providing exceptional care and support during this journey.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Larry’s name to the Salvation Army of Western North Carolina, P.O. Box 358, Waynesville, NC 28786, or the Ratcliff Cove Cemetery Fund (mail check to: Phillis “Sissy” Ratcliff: 75 Keller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786).

The care of Mr. Clark has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.