Elbert Lee “Corky” Clark, a longtime resident of Panama City, Florida, passed away on March 31, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 88.
Corky was born on April 12, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio moving to Elberton, Georgia at the age of two. He graduated from Elberton High School where he played football and baseball. He served in the United States Navy from April 16, 1948 through October 15, 1970. He traveled the world with Duty Stations including the USS Furse – San Diego, California; Anacostia Naval Security Station, NSA, Washington, D.C.; Lajes Air Base, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal; USS Wilkinson, Long Beach, California; US Navy Mine Defense Laboratory, Panama City, Florida; USS Mulliphen, Norfolk, Virginia; USS Venture, Panama City, FL; Vietnam -Da Nang Support Center; USS Venture, Panama City, FL including a six (6) month Mediterranean mission. During his Naval service he received medals for Good Conduct, Europe Occupation Service, Korean Service, European-African-Middle East Campaign Ribbon, Navy “E” Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign. From 1972 until 1992 Corky worked with the Civil Service at the Coastal System Station-Naval Surface Warfare Center – Panama City, FL. In retirement he provided community service as a Charter Member of the Fleet Reserve #346, American Legion Post #66, Panama City Scottish Rite Masonic Center, St. Andrews Masonic Lodge #212, and the Westside Men’s Club, where he served as the Youth Sports Liaison for baseball and bowling teams. Corky loved watching all sports particularly the Utah Jazz, the PGA, Georgia Bulldogs, Florida State Seminole football, NASCAR, Bay High School football, and the Atlanta Braves. He was an avid golfer, country music fan and loved to dance.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Garrie & Bell Clark and brother, Garrie Clark, Jr.
Corky is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Odine “Dena” Clark of Panama City, son Terry Clark (Mimi) of Panama City, daughter Gail Clark Bittman (Michael) of Longwood, FL, grandchildren, Natalie Clark Markland (Justin) of Huntsville, AL, Tyler Clark (Victoria) of Tampa, FL, Carson Clark of St. George, Utah, Bonnie Bittman of Orlando, FL, John Bittman of Rockville, MD, Joseph Bittman (Lauren) of St. Lucie, FL and Katherine Bittman of Tuscaloosa, AL; great grandchildren Ruby Markland and Joseph Bittman Jr.; and sister-in-law, Maxine Beaulieu of Catonsville, MD.
The family will greet friends on Friday, April 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Panama City. Funeral Services followed by a military burial will be on Saturday, April 7th at 10:00am in the Chapel at Kent Forest Lawn.
The Clark Family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Emerald Coast Hospice and Corky’s caregivers, Barbara Still and Sue Bunce. Flowers will be accepted and memorial donations in memory of Corky may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 421 Oak Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401.
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