Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 27, 2023

Matthews – Roy Clark of Matthews, NC, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at his home, surrounded by family.  He was born on April 18, 1931, to the late Frank and Doris (Gow) Clark in Widnes, England.  In 1959, he married the love of his life, Elspeth (Jones) Clark, and they remained happily married for 64 years.  Roy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He is survived by his wife, Elspeth; four children, Christopher (Ian), Mark and his wife, Patty, Susan and her husband, Sergio, and Jon and his wife, Chang; six grandchildren, Matthew and his wife, Kelsey, Nathan, Connor and his wife, Emily, Jonathan and his wife, Danielle, Graham, and Elspeth; and four great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Henry, Michael-Roy, and Tatum.

Roy served in the British Royal Army as a young man, decoding communications while stationed in Egypt & Cyprus.  He attended the University of Liverpool and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, graduating with Honours.  After a successful, 35-year career in management positions with Polysar Corporation and BASF Corporation in Sarnia (Ontario), Illinois, Tennessee, and Charlotte, he retired in Matthews, NC.

Roy was beloved by his family and friends for his positive outlook on life and his many interests. He had a lifelong passion for classical music, and the exuberant sounds of a favorite symphony or opera could often be heard playing on the stereo in his home.  He was also an accomplished pianist, serving as the organist at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Canada for many years.  Roy was an avid tennis player throughout his life, playing in competitive singles and doubles leagues over the years.  He was a member of Olde Providence Racquet Club for over 20 years, and a winner of the 1999 North Carolina State Senior Division Doubles Championship.  His other interests in retirement included playing bridge, travel, entertaining, volunteering at a local soup kitchen, and sharing a nice glass of wine with his many dear friends.

To honor Roy’s memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Cedarwood Country Club, 4100 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226; (704) 542-0251.

 In lieu of flowers and in memory of Roy’s lifelong love of classical music, donations may be made to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Attn: Development Office, 128 S. Tryon St., Suite 350, Charlotte, NC, 28202.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.