Leon Rhodell Clark, 95, of Pulaski, VA, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2010, at Columbia Pulaski Community Hospital. He was born on September 24, 1915, in Pulaski, VA. He was a life-long native of Pulaski. Leon was the son of the James William Clark, Hannah Cosby Clark, and stepmother, Della Snell Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James W. Clark; and five sisters, Viola C. O'Quinn, Estelle C. Wade, Justine C. Hood, Gladys C. Dyer, and Louvenia Buford Hunt. Leon took Ruth Martin Clark as his bride on July 13, 1939. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this past summer. From their marriage they had three adoring daughters, Charlotte, Marva, and Lavern. Leon spent the vast majority of his work career as an employee of Pulaski County Public Schools. He retired in 1981 after 33 years of service with the school system. His career began at Central High School. He then moved to Pulaski High School where he worked the bulk of his career and finally transitioned to Pulaski County High School when the doors of that school opened in the fall of 1974. Leon always spoke with joy about his tenure with the school system, his relationship with students, teachers, and the administrations with whom he worked. He greeted all with a smile! Upon and even before his retirement it became evident that the admiration and appreciation was mutual. Leon was a member of Randolph Avenue United Methodist Church until waning health limited his activity and attendance. One of his favorite church passions was singing. He was a member of several church choirs, Senior Choir, Men's Choir and the Parish Choir. Leon served on the Board of Trustees, first for Clarks Chapel, and later for RAUMC when that church merged with New Century United Methodist Church. He also served on the Stewardship Committee, Building Fund Committee, and was a member of the United Methodist Men. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Ruth M. Clark; daughters, Charlotte Clark Price, of Pulaski, Marva Clark (Michael) Hickman, of Pulaski, and Lavern Clark (Richard) Law, of Dublin; five grandchildren, Darrell Wayne Price, of Harker Heights, TX, Dwayne Eugene Price, of Atlanta, GA, Tristan Giselle Hickman, of Pulaski, LaShonda Danielle Law, of Roanoke, and Richard Daniel Law III, of Dublin; nine great-grandchildren, Darrell Dean, Jessica Price, Angela Price, Lashell Price, Natasha Price Howard, Dareh Price, Ania Austin, Evan Austin, and Teagan Hickmand; and nine great great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his extended family, sisters-in-law, Ruby West, of Detroit, MI, Anna Martin, of Pulaski, and Helen Martin, of New York, NY; and by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to thank "special nieces," Irene Hendricks, Tracey Hendricks, and Shannon H. Carter for their loving care and aid. Also the family would like to acknowledge and thank the employees of Intrepid USA Healthcare Services assigned to assist Leon. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010, at Randolph Avenue United Methodist Church, the Reverend Leroy Henry, Pastor. Viewing and family visitation begins 2 p.m. The service begins 3 p.m. with the Elder Douglas Patterson officiating, assisted by the Reverend Charles Twine. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to Penn's Funeral Home.

ROANOKE TIMES, Fri, Dec 3, 2010