Charles Clarke

CLARKE, Charles Allen 81, of Nashville, TN passed away the morning of April 22, 2007, in his home. Charles was the husband of Joan Cummins Clarke, who died this past November. Charles was born on March 23, 1927 in Mayslick, Kentucky to Lucille Reese Clarke and William D. Clarke. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and is a veteran of WWII, having served his country in the South Pacific. Charles is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, and was a proud member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. Charles and Joan met at the university, were married in 1951 and moved to Nashville to raise their two children. Charles had a passion for automobiles and spent his career as a Quality Control Engineer working for General Motors, Schrader Automotive Co., and AVCO Industries. Charles is survived by his son John Sayers Clarke of Eugene, OR; his daughter Jenny Ann Clarke of Nashville, TN and his four grandchildren, Joan Elizabeth Clarke NY, NY, John Reiley Clarke Eugene, OR, Kelsey Sayers Clarke Eugene, OR and Madeleine Sayers Pyle Nashville, TN; his brother William Reese Clarke and William's wife Jean Clarke of Mayslick, KY. There are also many beloved nieces and nephews: Bill Jr., Don, Missy, Megan, Mary, Molly and Thor. Charles is preceded in death by his wife Joan, and his brother-in-law George Thane Cummins and George's wife Ruth Ann Cummins of Augusta KY. The family would like to pay special thanks to Bernadette Tinney for the loving support and tender care provided to Charles during his final months of life and also to Annette Lipsett and Maria McGowan for their assistance with his care. We would also like to thank Alive Hospice for their dedication and care. We would like say thank you to the Cook, Lewis, and Brown families for their support over the years and to Jackie Weaver and Michelle Allen. There will be a visitation with the family on Friday evening, April 25, 2008, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at West Harpeth Funeral Home. A service to honor Charles' life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:00 am at West Harpeth Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Alive Hospice of Nashville, TN. WEST HARPETH FUNERAL HOME 6962 Charlotte Pk 615 352-9400