William “Clark” Hamrick

On June 11, 2013, William “Clark” Hamrick went to his heavenly home to rest.   He passed away at his Lawrenceville, Georgia home cared for by his loving wife Martha and his favorite cat, Sassy.

Clark was born in Cliffside, NC on Feb 6, 1934 to Walter Frank and Ethel Harris Hamrick.  He was one of 7 children.  He attended Cliffside School and later served in the US Army stationed in Germany.  Clark married Marilyn Womack in 1953 and they had 3 daughters.  Marilyn passed away in 1976.

Clark worked for Cone Mills, where he met Marilyn when she worked in the office.  Later they moved to Charlotte.  He was a talented machinist and worked for various companies doing tool and die work.  For many years he worked at the Winn Dixie warehouse maintaining their equipment.

In 1989 Clark married Martha Robinson Yarbrough.  Clark and Martha moved to Atlanta where he worked various jobs including maintaining the facilities and equipment for Woodward Academy. 

Clark tried retirement for a short time but decided he needed to be out and around people. He went to work for Ingle’s grocery in their produce department.  It was the perfect job.  Five minutes from the house.  Lots of people contact.  “Mr. Clark” as he was known enjoyed helping customers while keeping the produce department stocked, neat and spotless.

He enjoyed spending time caring for their yard and cars.  He liked watching NASCAR and sports.  He always told jokes…often corny, but delivered with a wink and a smile.

He loved the reunions with his brothers and sisters where they could visit, shop, eat out and reminisce.  As his health declined it was one of the things he always talked about, everybody needs to get together and visit.

Martha, a Registered Nurse, played a big part in recent years overseeing Clark’s various illnesses.  He always said how lucky he was to marry his own private nurse.  He persevered through many hospital stays and rehabs with his favorite motto “One Day at a Time”.

Clark was preceded in death by his first wife Marilyn; an infant daughter, Jane; his parents; his sisters Lillian Summey, and Mary Frances Potter; and an infant brother Beauford.  

He is survived by his wife Martha; his daughters Julia Petersen (Andy) of Portland, OR, Susan Hamrick of Forest City, granddaughters Tabitha Hamrick and Christie Hamrick of Forest City, Michelle Hamrick of Shelby and 5 great grandchildren; his brother Kenneth Hamrick (Doris) of Mint Hill, NC, his sisters Yvonne Amos of Monroe, NC and Diane Baucom (Larry) of Mint Hill, NC; his stepson Warren Lane Yarbrough (Dale) of Orangeburg, SC and stepdaughter Lisa Yarbrough (Mike) of Atlanta, mother-in-law Mary Robinson of Lawrenceville; grandson 2^nd Lt. James T. Gantt, Jr (Lisa) and granddaughter Mary Elizabeth (Meg) Ulmer (Gene) and 6 great grandchildren.  

A memorial service was held on July 20, 2013 at Harrelson Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Rutherford County Hospice, PO Box 336, Forest City NC  28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.