Walter Clark

Walter C. Clark, 91, passed away November 2nd, 2014 at Silver Bluff Rehabilitation Center. A native of Haywood County, he was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. and Zora Clark and siblings, Maxi Teague and Thomas A. Clark, Jr. Walter stayed active into his 90's. He loved golfing, walking, swimming, and shooting hoops. Admired by many, he was not only an outstanding attorney and mentor, but contributed widely to the community and state, offering his "sage" advice. He was a humble man, always speaking to others as he made his daily walk to work. Loving God and family, living a life of honesty, generosity and integrity, he truly was a Christian attorney. Walter graduated from Canton High School where he excelled and received "All Conference" title in three sports. Receiving a football scholarship, he attended Wake Forest University, followed by 3 years in the US Navy during WWII. He received his doctorate in law from UNC Chapel Hill in 1951. Walter practiced law for 45 years, beginning with his father under the firm "Clark and Clark Attorneys". He was retained by the town of Canton as Municipal Attorney, and served this position for 59 years, the longest ongoing municipal attorney in North Carolina. Walter was president of the NC Association of Municipal Attorneys in 1965 and was a member of the county and state bar associations. He served as president of the 30th judicial district bar and was also a board member in the Western Region of the Friends of the Institute of Government. As a lifelong member of Canton First Baptist Church, Walter has served as church president, chairman of the deacons, and trustee. He was a member and past president of the Canton Lions Club. Walter is survived by his wife of 67 years, Iris Clark; daughters Lynn Clark Horne and Marti Clark-Clonts; and grandson, Austin Cameron Clonts. A service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Canton First Baptist Church with the Reverend James A. Meadows officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Wells Funeral Home of Canton is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Canton First Baptist Church, 74 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. .

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