Obituary of Cecil Oliver Clark

Bryson City Dateline: Cecil O. Clark, 92, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. His good health had only recently declined. Cecil was born on May 23, 1919 to the late Thomas and Laura Estes Clark on Deep Creek in Bryson City, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Lillian Jenkins Clark in 2004. She was the love of his life. Survivors include his devoted daughter, Gail Lemmert and husband Albert of Cleveland, TN; his only son, Garry L. Clark of Bryson City; his five grandchildren; Renee` P. Henderson (Tim), Rev. Randall Parris (Rhonda) all of Cleveland, TN; Barrett L. Clark of Gastonia, NC, Patti Clark and Oliver Clark of Bryson City, NC; also loving and missing him are five great-grandchildren; Cole, Conner, and Chase Henderson and Clay and Alysse Parris all of Cleveland, TN. To all of these he was Pa-pa. Cecil also leaves one caring sister, Etta C. Maney of Bryson City, and dear brother George D. Clark (Sandra) of Asheville, NC, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and close friends. He will also be missed by his entire Church family that he loved so much, Pastor and Mrs. Marty Presley and Hannah and the Bryson City Church of God. Cecil proudly served his country in France and Germany during WWII as an Ammunition Truck Driver and Chaplain Assistant. He was a wonderful provider for his family, working in construction as a Heavy Equipment Operator in eight eastern states and Iceland, but his greatest accomplishment, he would tell you was becoming a follower of Jesus Christ as a young man in his twenties. He had a life-changing conversion and became a true disciple in life style and daily living. His word was his bond, a man of truth, integrity and character. He served his Church in many ways; giving of his time and resources, driving the Church Bus, as a council member, and many years as clerk. His faithful attendance and service is an inspiration and model for many that love and respect him. Cecil's family would like to thank Barbara Thurman, his caregiver and our friend for her sacrifices and care in recent days. We appreciate the care and effort of all employees of Mt. View Manor in his brief stay there. Our thanks to Swain Hospital, Dr. Castor and Dr. Goggin, caring nurses, support staff and West Care Hospice Staff. Friends and family thank you for everything. Cecil's life was well lived and Christ will say, "Well done, my son, welcome home." A celebration of Life and home going service will be held 1:00 PM Friday at Bryson City Church of God on Toot Hollow Rd. on Friday, October 14, 2011. Revs. Randall Parris, Johnny Nations, and Marty Pressley will officiate with burial in Thomas Chapel Cemetery on Galbreath Creek Rd. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon Friday at Crisp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bryson City Church of God Building Fund/ Youth Center. An online register is available at www.crispfuneralhome.org