William Burton Clark III, (affectionally known as “Jargo”), was born December 4, 1917 in Blountstown Florida and died in Madison, Florida September 12, 2020.
He was the son of the late Sheriff Charles Dennis Clark and Maggie Messer Clark. He was also predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Eunice Priest Clark, and his son, Dr. William B. Clark IV.
He is survived by his three daughters, Rosemary Clark Stiefel,
(Bill), Margaret Irel Clark (Dennis), Elizabeth Clark Rotter (Harry)
And nine grandchildren, William C. Stiefel III (Marilyn), John Clark Stiefel (Mu-Yi), Van Richard Stiefel (Caroline), Catherine
Espinoza (Thomas), Harry Gerald Rotter II, William B. Clark V
(Danielle), Margaret Rotter Wilkerson (Philip), Corrie Clark Turner (Andy), Caroline Rotter Al Restimawi (Hasin), and 18 great grandchildren.
Jargo attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of the DKE fraternity. After marrying, he moved to Madison, Florida and became very active in the community.
He was a founding member of the Madison Rotary Club and served as President of the club before becoming the District Governor of 694 area in the panhandle of Florida. Jargo personified the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” and he was especially proud of having been a part of the Polio Plus vaccine worldwide effort.
He also served for a number of years as a Director on the board of the Southern Scholarship Foundation which provides housing for deserving students attending FSU and the U. of F.A private.
After his marriage to Eunice Priest he went to work for the family Dime store business, Van H. Priest & Co. which he was a part of for over 40 years. While an excellent businessman, his avocations of woodworking and gardening gave him great satisfaction and he became known to many as a master craftsman who loved to share his skill and talent with the young. In his late 90’s he made a chess set for each of his three children and nine grandchildren.
He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Madison, Florida serving as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and chaired committees that over saw the building and renovations through many years.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to The United Methodist Church at PO Box 299 Blountstown, Florida 32424.
A Private graveside service was held Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Madison, FL.
Beggs Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. 850-973-2258. You may send your condolences to the family by visiting our website at beggsfuneral.com
