John Burton Clark, of Williamsburg, died Jan. 6, 2015, at the age of 76.
He was born in Milwaukee, but other than a tour in the U.S. Army, made his life on the Peninsula. He was the owner of Slaughter Lumber Company, established by his grandfather in Hampton in 1908. He attended the College of William and Mary and Richmond Professional Institute (currently Virginia Commonwealth University) in the 1950s. Following his retirement from the lumber business, he completed his degree in 1995, earning a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in theatre, from Christopher Newport University.
He was active in regional theatre, serving as a director, actor and past president of the Peninsula Community Theatre, a founding member of the Poquoson Island Players and affiliate of the Williamsburg Players. He acted professionally with the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, the former Tidewater Dinner Theatre and the Lost Colony, in addition to working with regional and local theatrical productions in Taiwan, Christopher Newport University, William and Mary Theatre, Hampton Little Theatre, Newport News High School and St. Andrews School Theatre, Sewanee, Tennessee.
John enjoyed his volunteer work with the Literacy for Life program at the College of William and Mary, as a popular instructor of film for the Christopher Wren Association, College of William and Mary and as a reader for WHRO’s program for the visually impaired. He was a former member of the Hampton Rotary Club, cannoneer of the Kingsmill Yacht Club, parcel member for the Kingsmill Community Services Association and board member of the Fort Monroe YMCA and Peninsula SPCA. He also served as a docent for the historical plantation homes, Sherwood Forest and Smith’s Fort.
A delightful raconteur whose stories served as constant entertainment among his friends and even strangers, he was an avid reader who enjoyed attending performing arts events and restoring prize-winning antique cars. Someone who embraced life, John was a gentle, kind and caring soul.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellen and John A. Clark; brother Dr. Richard F. Clark; and former wife, Kathleen Pilgrim Clark.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory and personality and love his daughter, Mary Dana Elizabeth Clark Epstein (and husband, Phillip); son, John Christopher Duncan Clark and granddaughter, Aubrey; brother, Robert G. Clark (and wife, Anne); seven nieces and nephews and their loving families; and his life partner and best friend of 31 years, John Shulson. He also leaves behind his precious dog, Penny and cat, Lance.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 100 West Queens Way, Hampton, 23669, with a reception at the Parish social hall following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, 23185 or the Peninsula SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, 23601.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
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