William "Bill" Jackson Clark

William Jackson Clark, known to friends and family as “Bill” or “Billy Jack,” passed peacefully on March 30, 2026, at the age of 94, entering his heavenly home.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Wilkerson Funeral Home with Pastor John Kimmons officiating. Burial will follow at Apple-Nunn Family Cemetery with military honors, where Alma will be relocated shortly afterward. The family will receive friends at Wilkerson Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 7, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

He was born in Ruffin, North Carolina, to Clyde Edward Clark and Sallie Edith Apple Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, the love of his life, Alma Nance Clark; and his sister, Betty Bliss Clark Smith.

Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather (“Papa”), brother, uncle, and loyal friend. He was known as a gifted storyteller and the go-to person for family genealogy.

He is survived by his son, Eddie Clark (Ruth); daughter, Kathryn Clark Bishop (Tom); grandchildren, Will Clark and Katie Clark Spigner (Branyon); and his siblings: brother Oliver Clyde “Chunk” Clark (Sue), and sisters Mary Clark Miller, Rebecca Clark Jenkins (Richard), Judy Clark Barber, Ruby Clark Horsley, and Linda Clark Stanley (Larry). He is also survived by a large and loving extended family, as well as many supportive friends and neighbors.

Bill retired from the American Tobacco Company after forty years, during which he also served as the company photographer.

He was a longtime member of Community Baptist Church in Reidsville and faithfully served in numerous leadership roles.

He enjoyed acting in several local theatre groups, including the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, where he served as a past president and board member. He was honored with a Lifetime Membership Award for his contributions.

A graduate of Ruffin High School (Class of 1951) and Guilford College, Bill proudly served eight years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Bill enjoyed traveling, reading, photography, music, and playing the harmonica; but above all, he loved the Lord, his family, and preserving his family’s history.

He was a fine gentleman who will be remembered and lovingly cherished by all who knew him. His kindness, sharp mind, loving smile, and laughter left a lasting impression.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Ancora Compassionate Care and Rhonda Lucas for their care, support, and kindness shown to Bill and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 2766, Reidsville, NC 27323, or to Ancora Compassionate Care (formerly Hospice of Rockingham County), 2150 NC Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC 27320.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and storytelling.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com

*A special note from Eddie and Kathy:

We have decided to move Mama (Alma) to the Apple - Nunn Family Cemetery at the old family farm. We know it sounds difficult, but this is in keeping with Daddy's wishes.

Our friends with Wilkerson Funeral Home are managing everything with great care and respect, and it will ensure that Mama and Daddy have a permanent resting place that means a lot to our family.