Obituary of Frank K. Clarke, Jr.

HENDERSONVILLE – Frank Kennedy Clarke, Jr., 80, beloved husband of Anna Martin Clarke, died Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at the Preston Health Center in Hilton Head Island. He was born in Sumter, S.C., and was a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology. He proudly served as a marine. Following his service, he started working at BellSouth Communications, then Bell Labs, where he enjoyed a successful career as a lead electrical engineer until retiring in 1992. After retiring, he earned a Phd in Finance and shared his brilliant mind at the University of South Carolina as a professor of Finance and Statistics until moving to Fleetwood Plaza in Hendersonville, NC.  Frank was a caring husband, father and friend whose wisdom impacted all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Anna Clarke; two daughters, Margaret Anthony (Steve) of Hilton Head and Elizabeth Clarke (Xavier) of San Francisco; two brothers, Finley Clarke (Laura) of Florence and Henry Clarke (Penny) of Bedford; three granddaughters, Mary Margaret, Lauren and Carly of Hilton Head; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Kennedy Clarke, Sr., and his mother, Margaret Bland Clarke. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Sumter Cemetery in Sumter, S.C. with the Rev. Jim Burton officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Friends who wish to make memorial gifts in Frank's memory, please consider a donation to the Mayo Clinic Department of Development, Mayo Clinic 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (855) 852-8129. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com  Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, 803-775-9386.