Charles Clark

Charles Edward Clark, 91, of Midland, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Charles was born March 8, 1932 in Chatham County to the late Margaret Jane Clark Thrift.  He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian Hartsell Clark.

A devout Christian and member of First Baptist Church Midland since the early 60's where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and on many committees. He served in the US Army as a young man, and was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his service to our nation he started a family and taught his four boys to know and love God, and to always have a solid work ethic. Charles understood hard work, having been a brick mason and rural letter carrier with the US Postal Service in Midland, NC where he retired. A respected man in the community Charles volunteered on many civic groups, that included the Boy Scouts of America (scout master), recreation sports coach, Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation planning committee, and school booster clubs to help raise funds, to name a few. Charlie was a great cook and he really knew how to slow smoke hickory wood BBQ, and taught many church groups and individuals to do the same for fundraising....but never shared his secret recipe for sauce. He did entrust it with a few trusted family members, but we'll never tell. Charles never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. This skill lead to him assisting on many campaigns where he would stump for judges, sheriffs, school board members and other local political offices...his candidates have never lost an election in his precinct. In his retirement a passion for veterans lead him to serve with local veterans groups and was a member of the American Legion - Black and Phillips Post # 433, and served on the Cabarrus County Honor Guard. He loved working in his garden, fishing in the Surf on the NC coast with his friends and family, bee keeping, or going to a grandchild's ballgame and other family activities. Riding his military motorcycle in the occasional parade was always a joy. He was an avid reader that continued to learn and share his wisdom till he passed, with the bible being the most read. He served his country with Honor & Dignity, and raised all his children grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to possess the same love of Jesus Christ, and this country that he did. Also, to love each other with the selflessness he demonstrated since he was a young man. Most of all, Charles was a loving husband, father and Paw Paw. A true patriarch of his family he will forever be loved and greatly missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 25 years, Lynda Hickey Clark of Midland; four sons, Gary (Leslie) Clark of Mt. Pleasant, Joey (Gina) Clark of Midland, Mickey (Amy) Clark of Midland, Kip  (Amy) of Standfield; step-son, Trey (Nicole) Durham of Locust; step-daughter, Emily (Darren) Harris of Mt. Pleasant; 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Stephanie), Megan (Simon), Tyler (Chris), Hannah (Clay), Bailey (Stacy), Kaitlyn (Jaron), Rebecca, Jaseton, Savannah, and Eleanor; 5 great-grandchildren, Yohannes, Ruby, Lawson, Avett, and Ryder; brothers, Bruce Clark of Siler City, O.D. Thrift of Saxapahaw; sisters, Betty Wilburn of Saxapahaw, Jenny Lee (Ronnie) King of Saxapahaw, and Kay (Charles) Dean of Universal City, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 1:45 pm, Saturday, April 15, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Midland.  The funeral service in celebration of Charles' life will follow at 2:00 pm officiated by Rev. Bill Nix. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Midland Cemetery Fund- 4720 Garmon Mill Rd, Midland, NC 28107.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Clark family.