William L. “Bill” Clark, 69 of Caldwell, Ohio

William L. “Bill” Clark, age 69, of Caldwell, Ohio, died Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born April 6, 1957, in Byesville, son of the late William A. and Zella M. Shaklee Clark. He was a 1975 graduate of Shenandoah High School and a mechanic for many years. Early in his life, Bill worked for Ziler’s Garage in Caldwell and spent thirty years as an equipment operator for B&N Coal Company. A true blue collar man, he dedicated much of his life working in the coal industry. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed reminiscing about his many experiences in the coal mines. Throughout his life, he taught those around him the meaning of hard work, perseverance, strength, and dedication. He loved to mentor younger workers. Bill was also a trustee for East Union Cemetery. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and watching westerns.

Above all, family was the most important part of his life. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Mary Clark. She was the love of his life. Known for his generous heart, he never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. His unforgettable laugh, an amazing belly laugh, could fill a room and bring a smile to everyone around him. He valued relationships and treasured the time spent with family and friends. His life was a testament to the importance of working hard, standing strong through life’s challenges, and caring for those he loved. While his family will deeply miss his stories, laughter, guidance, and presence, they will forever carry the lessons and memories he left behind. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He never liked ending a phone call with “goodbye”. He always said “Talk to you later”. And so, until we meet again, “Talk to you later.”

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by four sisters, Barbara Clark, Susan Wheeler, Karen Smithberger, and Cindy Bates.

Surviving are his wife, Mary E. Smithberger Clark, whom he married May 17, 1980; four children, Timothy A. Brown and Amanda L. (Jeff) Brown-Langley, all of Caldwell, and Jeremy D. (Cristy) Clark and Stacey M. (Justin) Frame, all of Cumberland; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Teresa Kinnen of Cambridge and Marge Hennen of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 4-7PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be observed Thursday, August 13th at 1PM with Allen Fraley officiating. Burial will follow at East Union Cemetery.