Hayward "Woody" Joseph Clark, 68, died Sept. 9

Hayward “Woody” Joseph Clark, 68 years old, left this earth Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, for his heavenly home to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Woody was the first born to Thurman William Clark and Betty Durham Clark on July 27, 1954.

Woody contracted Spinal Meningitis at 9 months that rendered him mentally and physically challenged. In spite of his disadvantages, Woody continued to thrive and grow in body, mind and spirit. Woody had a contagious smile, strong handshake and a big hug for everyone he met, never meeting a stranger.

He attended Mountain View and Fairfield Elementary schools and at the age of 17 became employed by the Rockbridge Area Occupational Center. There he was blessed to work for close to 40 years among wonderful co-workers and an extraordinary and dedicated staff. There Woody gained the reputation of being a well-liked employee, a hard worker and the employee that always had a smile on his face. 

Woody had a tremendous love for life and all people. 

Some of his favorite things were church, country music and bluegrass gospel. He had an infatuation with big trucks, big planes, trains and loved eating out. He was a big fan of WWE, softball, the Atlanta Braves, and bowling. He also loved big wads of bubble gum, blowing bubbles, Dollywood, roller coasters, Andy Griffith, vacations with the family and of course our 58 Clark Family Reunions!

Woody accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior as a teenager and anyone that knew Woody knew of his love for God and his willingness and sincerity as he would offer up a prayer for them. Woody had a special spirit that was undeniably God given. There will never be another person more ready to see Jesus then Woody Clark. 

Woody is survived by his parents Thurman and Betty Clark; two sisters, Cindy Snyder (Mike) and Penny Bartley (Richard); nieces Kelby Bartley, and Shanda Spangler (Will); nephews Drew Snyder (Hannah), Shane Snyder (fiancé Patty Franken), and Cody Bartley; two great-nieces, Hudson and Olivia Snyder; and one great-nephew, Landon Wilson. 

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at Harrison Funeral Chapel by Pastor Frank Hall. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.

The family with receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Harrison Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Heritage Hall,

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.