Mr. James Earl Clarke Sr.

James Earl Clarke, Sr., was born on July 30, 1941, in Buckingham, Virginia, and entered eternal peace on October 11, 2023, in Falls Church, Virginia. James accepted the Lord at an early age and was a member of the Slate River Baptist Church of Dillwyn Virginia, where he served as an Usher and Trustee. Locally he attended Ebenezer Baptist Church of Woodbridge, Virginia until becoming ill. James affectionally known as “Billy” attended Buckingham County Public School System and graduated from the Carter G. Woodson High School. He was an all-around athlete from his youth through adulthood. He was an exceptional basketball, baseball, and softball player. Upon graduation, Billy moved to Washington, DC where he continued to play sports for various teams to include the United States Postal Service (USPS) softball team called the “Clerks”. Additionally, he enjoyed bowling and could throw a powerful curve ball. James learned the value of working hard at a young age by helping his parents operate their family-owned grocery store. He started his career as a bricklayer in Alexandria, Virginia. He worked for the USPS for over 30 years in various capacities and locations to include Ronald Regan Airport Post Office. After retiring from the postal service, he went to work for the Prince Williams Public School System where he later retired for the second time. James was a generous man and always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He was a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. James was preceded in death by his wife Janetta Clarke, mother Lillian Smith Ferguson, parents Robert B. Clarke and Mary F. Clarke; brother Richard J. Smith; two sisters Mary Gwendolyn Moore and Catherine Gwendolyn Hawkins; grandson Carnezze E. Clarke; and great-grandson De’Leon C. Clarke. ‘ James leaves behind to cherish his memory six children: Charles E. Clarke, Sr. (April) of Arlington Virginia; Darleen L. Medley of Alexandria, Virginia, Arleen F. Armstrong (Andre) of Davenport, Florida, Carolyn A. Williams (Drue) of Columbus, Ohio, Angela M. Clarke of Arlington, Virginia, and James E. Clarke, Jr. (Tiffany) of Alexandria, Virginia; three stepdaughters, Sharon Puryea of Waldorf, Maryland, Audrey Clark of Culpeper, Virginia, and Gwendolyn Jones of Waldorf, Maryland; twenty-two grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; one sister Debra Lancaster-Johnson; one sister-in-law, Eartha Johnson; two brothers-in-law, Harold Aiken (Delores) and Stanley Aiken (Ida); one aunt, Mary B. Agee; one uncle, Calvin Jones; a beloved nephew, Rodney Smith and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. James Earl Clarke Sr.

July 30, 1941 - October 11, 2023

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