Albert John Clark, affectionately known as “Al” or “AJ,” was born May 16, 1952, to Jeff and Mildred Clark in Abingdon, Virginia. AJ entered the gates of heaven on July 30, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
AJ was a family man, a talented artist, and a dramatic storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved coming up with innovative ideas and inventions. AJ was a man of great faith and loved to share the Bible with those around him. He found purpose in prison ministry and was an inspiration to many.
He earned a degree in sculpture art from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1974. Though a talented artist, AJ turned down a full-time career as an artist and grad school at USC in order to focus on his family, one of his top priorities. He was skilled with painting, photography, sculpture, and took up metal work and welding later in life.
AJ bought a house in Bristol, Tennessee where he worked as a union steward for the Ball Corporation. He took pride in never losing a case for the workers he represented. He later returned to school at East Tennessee State University where he earned a degree in graphic design, which he used to design logos, sketch intricate drawings for products, and book covers as a part-time career.
AJ loved traveling and adventuring with his family. His children cherish the memories of shelling on Edisto Island, hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, looking for sharks’ teeth, and shrimping in the summers. He and his wife, Jane, took many trips together to Hawaii and Arizona, and around Utah where they lived.
Later in life, he developed a love of gardening, tending to his beautiful garden that included over 45 rose bushes, fruit trees, and ornamentals. AJ, like his garden, was vibrant and colorful. A dramatic storyteller, he enjoyed a good story and to tell jokes that made people laugh. One of his favorite stories involved his brother, Frank, who saved him from falling down an abyss when they were caving on a scout trip as kids.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jeff Clark, and siblings, Frank Clark and Julie Forster.
AJ leaves to cherish his loving memory: his wife, Jane; his children, Katy Atkinson (husband Micheal), Stephen Clark, and Emily Clark; his mother, Mildred Clark; siblings, Linda Thrower (husband Bill), Mary Kenny, Ann Gill (husband Shan); and grandson, Marcus Atkinson.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Frost Funeral Home. A service will follow the visitation at 7:00 P.M with the Rev. John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Sinking Springs Cemetery. Those wishing to attend, please arrive by 12:45 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to Good News Jail & Prison Ministries as this was an organization AJ felt strongly about.
Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Clark.
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