Obituary for Clark E. Williams

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Clark Edward Williams, who died on February 8, 2025. He was a beloved father, Bampa, brother, uncle, doctor, and friend.

Clark was born in Oakland, California, on January 18, 1951, at the Civic Center Hospital to Darrell Edward and MarJean Hickman Williams. He had a happy childhood growing up in the hills of Walnut Creek, with his five siblings: Deanna, Jay, Janice, Joanne, and Emily. Clark had an insatiable drive for life, enjoying body surfing, water skiing, Giants games, and scouting as a boy. He graduated from Los Lomas High School in 1969.

After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in zoology, Clark moved to Tulsa with his newborn son, Bryce, and wife to begin medical school at OSU's Osteopathic School of Medicine. Clark's love for his Uncle LaMoyne, a thoracic surgeon, drew him to the practice of medicine. During medical school, Clark worked nights at the Pepsi-Cola factory—only to later become a Coca-Cola purist, never too far from a red and white can.

After graduation, he accepted an internship at Saint John's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, followed by a residency in neurology at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco, where he'd ride his motorcycle over the Bay Bridge into the city.

His family grew with the births of Amy, Hilary, and Ryan. The family bought their forever home in Antioch, California, and Clark opened his medical practice on Sunset Lane. He served much of the growing East Bay community and was known around town simply as "Doc." He loved his work and his employees, some of whom worked alongside him for decades.

Clark worked hard and played hard. He religiously attended the annual boat show at the Cow Palace in Daly City. Summers were spent fishing the Snake River with his brother, Jay, and enjoying trips to Mexico in search of Dorado (mahi-mahi). He was an Oakland A's season ticket holder and loved taking friends and family to the ballpark to enjoy endless hot dogs and stay for the fireworks.

Clark's exuberant generosity was his hallmark. He was known to waive fees for patients who couldn't afford to pay and quietly provided college scholarships for many high school graduates in his community. For years, he volunteered as the team doctor for the Antioch High and Deer Valley High football teams.

Clark was devoted to his faith and religious community. He served a church mission in Manitoba, Minnesota, from 1970 to 1972 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved serving as a Young Men's leader and a bishop. He took great joy in leading youth on outdoor adventures to places he loved as a boy, including high-adventure trips like a horseback trek into the Sawtooth Mountains. He helped many young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and was a trusted mentor to the youth of the church, who often sought his advice and followed his lead.

Family was everything to Clark. "It's not even a question—we're family," was a phrase he often said before extending his generosity. He was a memory maker and a keeper of traditions, making holidays and birthdays larger than life. Family vacations became part of family lore—picking up his son from his mission in Thailand, traveling to London and Paris, visiting family in Roseville and Boise, and countless trips to Lake Tahoe to jet ski and sunburn. He was a master at making Christmas morning the most magical event of the year. Saturdays were for Jeep rides, donuts, movies, and eating out.

Clark valued preserving memories and was the man behind the camera and camcorder, making sure to document the good times. A visit to Clark's house often meant leaving with a manila envelope full of printed photos from the time spent together. Perhaps his most treasured possessions were his family photo albums and VHS tapes, which had their own dedicated room in his house—a testament to a life well-lived and shared. Clark enjoyed long drives to reminisce about the people he loved and the places that had changed over time. We'll take a drive for you, Dad, and remember the good times.

Clark is survived by his three children and their spouses: Amy Lore (John Lore), Hilary Renshaw (Tyler Renshaw), and Ryan Williams (Kate Williams); his daughter-in-law Christina Williams; and his ten grandchildren: Spencer Lore, Hudson Williams, Ava Lore, Carter Renshaw, Charlotte Williams, Oliver Renshaw, Juliet Lore, Nolan Williams, Whitaker Williams, and Frances Williams. He is also survived by his five siblings: Deanna Pickett, Jay Williams, Janice Darby, Joanne Foutz, and Emily Ford.

He is predeceased by his parents, Darrell and MarJean Williams, and his beloved eldest son, Bryce Williams.

A celebration of life for Clark will be held on March 1, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 11150 S. Tydeman Way, South Jordan, UT 84009.