Harold Clarke Palatka, Florida Obituary

Harold Clarke

Harold Reese Clarke, 87, of Palm Coast, FL passed from this life on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at his home in Hammock Beach Estates following an extended illness. Born in Dendron, Virginia to Russell and Peggy Clarke, he moved to Richmond, Virginia at the age of 5 and attended schools there graduating from John Marshal High School. Following graduation, Harold served in the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier USS KEARSARGE CV-33 for 4 years at the end of World War II, coming out of the Navy as a 3rd Class aviation boatswain’s mate. He returned to Richmond and went to work for David M. Lea Furniture Manufacturing as plant manager for 16 years before moving to Palatka, FL where he began working for Florida Furniture Industries in 1965. Harold served as plant manager and advanced to Vice President in charge of manufacturing and served in this capacity until retiring in 1998, having worked for 331/2 years with Florida Furniture Industries. After retiring, he continued as a consultant for several manufacturing companies. Harold was a member of several trade organizations; including the Southern Furniture Manufacturing Association, the American Furniture Manufacturing Association and the Virginia National Hardwood Association. He was also involved with numerous civic organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Palatka, Palatka Moose Lodge #184, Palatka Elks B.P.O.E. #1232, the Anchor Planker Club, the Dendron Virginia Historical Society and the Hammock Beach Homeowners Association. Harold also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid bass fisherman and hunter, belonging to the Yelvington Road Hunt Club and the National Rifle Association. He and his wife Sara also enjoyed dancing. Harold lived 30 years in Palatka and was a charter member of Christ Independent Methodist Church until he and Sara moved to Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, FL in 1995 where they attended the Hammock Community Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Clarke, his parents, Russell and Peggy Clarke, a brother, Keith Clarke and Tom Whitmore, a cousin who was like a brother. Harold leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Sara B. Clarke of Palm Coast, a daughter, Machelle Pellegrini (Pete) of Atlanta, GA, 2 sons, Michael Clarke (Beth) of Whitestone, VA and Billy Clarke (Anita) of Palatka, FL 6 grandchildren, Christopher Clarke (Jessica) of Ocala, FL Kenneth Clarke of Palatka, Moriah Clarke of Whitestone, VA and Conner, Rachel and Tyler Pellegrini, all of Atlanta, GA and 1 great-granddaughter, Claire Marie Clarke of Ocala, FL. The family wishes to the express their gratitude to Haven Hospice and 3-D Crisis Care Nursing for their excellent care and support given to Harold and the family throughout his illness. Services celebrating Harold’s life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 with visitation from 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. and memorial services immediately following at 3:00 P.M. at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka, FL with Chaplain Dick Talbert and Chaplain David Shokes officiating. The U.S. Navy will also conduct military honors. When visiting his grandchildren in Atlanta, GA, Harold enjoyed attending and supporting numerous events at Greater Atlanta Christian School in which his grandchildren are so active. From this thought, the family requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be sent to the Greater Atlanta Christian School, Christian Life Fund – Missions, Attn: Heni Jordan, 1575 Indian Trail Road, Norcross, GA 30093 or visit online GACS website, www.greateratlantachristian.org/page/giving/jesse-long-society>click on Give Now > type in their gift amount>Check the box for this gift is in honor, memory or support of someone>Gift preferences – In memory of Harold Reese Clarke>designation-other. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Harold’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka, FL.
February 3, 1929 - January 7, 201702/03/192901/07/2017
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Obituary

Harold Reese Clarke, 87, of Palm Coast, FL passed from this life on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at his home in Hammock Beach Estates following an extended illness. Born in Dendron, Virginia to Russell and Peggy Clarke, he moved to Richmond, Virginia at the age of 5 and attended schools there graduating from John Marshal High School. Following graduation, Harold served in the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier USS KEARSARGE CV-33 for 4 years at the end of World War II, coming out of the Navy as a 3rd Class aviation boatswain’s mate. He returned to Richmond and went to work for David M. Lea Furniture Manufacturing as plant manager for 16 years before moving to Palatka, FL where he began working for Florida Furniture Industries in 1965. Harold served as plant manager and advanced to Vice President in charge of manufacturing and served in this capacity until retiring in 1998, having worked for 331/2 years with Florida Furniture Industries. After retiring, he continued as a consultant for several manufacturing companies. Harold was a member of several trade organizations; including the Southern Furniture Manufacturing Association, the American Furniture Manufacturing Association and the Virginia National Hardwood Association. He was also involved with numerous civic organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Palatka, Palatka Moose Lodge #184, Palatka Elks B.P.O.E. #1232, the Anchor Planker Club, the Dendron Virginia Historical Society and the Hammock Beach Homeowners Association. Harold also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid bass fisherman and hunter, belonging to the Yelvington Road Hunt Club and the National Rifle Association. He and his wife Sara also enjoyed dancing. Harold lived 30 years in Palatka and was a charter member of Christ Independent Methodist Church until he and Sara moved to Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, FL in 1995 where they attended the Hammock Community Church. He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Clarke, his parents, Russell and Peggy Clarke, a brother, Keith Clarke and Tom Whitmore, a cousin who was like a brother. Harold leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Sara B. Clarke of Palm Coast, a daughter, Machelle Pellegrini (Pete) of Atlanta, GA, 2 sons, Michael Clarke (Beth) of Whitestone, VA and Billy Clarke (Anita) of Palatka, FL 6 grandchildren, Christopher Clarke (Jessica) of Ocala, FL Kenneth Clarke of Palatka, Moriah Clarke of Whitestone, VA and Conner, Rachel and Tyler Pellegrini, all of Atlanta, GA and 1 great-granddaughter, Claire Marie Clarke of Ocala, FL. The family wishes to the express their gratitude to Haven Hospice and 3-D Crisis Care Nursing for their excellent care and support given to Harold and the family throughout his illness. Services celebrating Harold’s life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 with visitation from 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. and memorial services immediately following at 3:00 P.M. at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka, FL with Chaplain Dick Talbert and Chaplain David Shokes officiating. The U.S. Navy will also conduct military honors. When visiting his grandchildren in Atlanta, GA, Harold enjoyed attending and supporting numerous events at Greater Atlanta Christian School in which his grandchildren are so active. From this thought, the family requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be sent to the Greater Atlanta Christian School, Christian Life Fund – Missions, Attn: Heni Jordan, 1575 Indian Trail Road, Norcross, GA 30093 or visit online GACS website, www.greateratlantachristian.org/page/giving/jesse-long-society>click on Give Now > type in their gift amount>Check the box for this gift is in honor, memory or support of someone>Gift preferences – In memory of Harold Reese Clarke>designation-other. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Harold’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka, FL.

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Events

Jan
21
Visitation
Saturday, January 21 2017
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Johnson-Overturf Chapel
307 S. Palm Ave.
PALATKA, FL 32177
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Jan
21
Service
Saturday, January 21 2017
03:00 PM
Johnson-Overturf Chapel
307 S. Palm Ave.
PALATKA, FL 32177
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail