Sep 29, 1934 – Jun 10, 2026

Gary Dale Clark, affectionately known as “Dude,” passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at Martha Jefferson Hospital at the age of 91.

Born on September 29, 1934, in Louisa, Virginia, Gary lived a life defined by service, family, community involvement, and a love of the outdoors. He graduated from Louisa County High School in 1953 before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958 as a radio operator aboard a B-29 bomber.

Following his military service, Gary built a successful career working for Eastern Airlines and later AT&T Communications. He was respected for his strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout his professional life.

Gary’s greatest joy came from his family and his community. He devoted countless hours to coaching youth sports in Louisa County, serving as a Little League football and baseball coach for many years. One of his proudest accomplishments was coaching the 1982 Louisa County Senior League All-Stars to a Virginia State Championship, an achievement remembered fondly by the players, families, and community members whose lives he touched.

Outside of work and coaching, Gary found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved quail hunting, fishing, and tending his garden. Whether outdoors with friends and family or sharing stories from years gone by, Gary’s warmth, humor, and steady presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa Kapalka Clark; his sons, Michael Andrew Clark and Matthew Alan Clark; his grandsons, Jacob Clark, Dylan Clark, and John Clark; his granddaughters, Laura Lee Clark and her husband, Avery Gallam; Katelyn Clark and her husband, Gabe Dent; and Elizabeth Clark and her husband, Nick Oberg; and his great-grandchildren, Nora Dent, Riley Oberg, and Indy Oberg.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Batson Clark; his mother, Minnie Maud Moss Clark; and his brothers, Robert Daniel Clark and Lewis Franklin Clark.

Gary’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the young athletes he mentored, and the many friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and generosity. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodward Funeral Home in Louisa, Virginia. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate the life of a man whose character, dedication, and love for others left a lasting mark on all who knew him.