Richard (Dick) Gordon Clarke of Woodstock, Georgia was born on May 13, 1949, and left for his eternal life on May 18, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Johnson City, TN, the eldest son of Ralph W. and Cornelia Johns Clarke. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. As a very proud and active alumnus, he served as the ETSU Alumni Association President in 1989-90 and in 2023 was awarded the "Outstanding Alumnus" of ETSU, an honor he cherished. He enjoyed telling others that it is "Great to Be a Buccaneer …"

After graduation, Dick embarked upon a forty-five-year career in property/liability insurance, having been an underwriter, insurance agency manager, consultant and retiring as a Senior Vice President of J. Smith Lanier and Co, in Atlanta. He earned three professional designations, CPCU, CIC and RPLU. He was the author of more than 150 articles published in professional periodicals, as well as two books, one of which, EXECUTIVE LIABILITY EXPOSURES and INSURANCE, went to six editions and is in the Library of Congress. Dick served on the Board of Directors of Colonial Security Company, Wycliff Lake, NJ, and was also their Chief Insurance Officer.

He leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend, Sheila, whom he loved deeply, as well as a beloved son, Wesley G. Clarke, wife Christy, of Greenville, SC and grandsons Holden and Bennett of whom he was most proud. Dick also has a younger brother, Ralph Clarke, wife Jeanne, of Jonesborough, TN, nephews Austin, Andrew, Bradley (wife Jane, children Christopher and Charlotte of Nashville, TN), niece Linsey Clarke Fugate and husband Nathan, of Jonesborough, TN. He also has two stepdaughters, Michelle Holliday of Woodstock, GA and Laura Koch, of Woodstock, husband Chris and three adorable step grand-children Bailey, Hayes and Hadley.

Dick was a gracious and generous gentleman filled with the Holy Spirit. He was a friend to everyone he met, who made any newcomers feel welcome. He told unforgettable (and sometimes moderately self-deprecating) stories and had the unique gift of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room. Dick went on numerous Christian mission trips around the world where he answered the call to spread the love of God. He was known for his faith, humility, kindness, generosity, humor and for always being willing to mentor or help someone in need.

Dick enjoyed traveling and was grateful to have visited all 50 states by the time he turned 50. He explored numerous foreign countries and was blessed to visit Israel, twice. As his family and friends will tell you, Dick was a man of great faith, a truly humble servant of God and was an active member of Mt. Bethel Church, Marietta, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the request is made to support one of Dick's favorite organizations, Children's Development Mission, a 501(c)3 which supports a Christian/Muslim school in an impoverished area of Pakistan. (CDM, c/o Carey Odum, 2971 Norman Circle, Duluth, GA 30096).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Mt. Bethel Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068 on Friday, June 12th at 11 AM. Dick has requested those who attend the celebration dress in cheerful colors.