William Lee “Bill” Clark
William “Bill” Clark of Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on April 26, 2024 at the age of 86. Bill was born to Earl (Bud) and Dorothy Clark in Lansing, MI, where he graduated from Eastern High School in 1955. He attended MSU, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1960 and an MA in 1962. This led him to a successful career as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, and then at Prudential Securities until he retired in 2003.
Bill and his former spouse, Sally, had two children together, Steven (Amy) Clark, and Jennifer (Baker) Wilkins, whom they adored. He married the love of his life, Penny, in 1978, and gained three more loving children, Kellie (Dennis) Talton, Greg (significant other Cathy Westrin) Woodruff and Coy (Jennifer) Woodruff.
Bill fell in love with golf when he was a member at the Country Club of Lansing, where he formed lifelong friendships and celebrated multiple holes-in-one. Besides enjoying his time vacationing with family and friends in Pompano Beach, FL, and Hilton Head, SC, he was an avid MSU athletics fan and skier. His greatest passion in later years was watching his grandkids play sports and being their biggest fan.
Bill’s great sense of humor and genuineness will be deeply missed by his family members and great friends. In addition to his children, he is survived by his devoted wife, Penny, his mother-in-law, Zita Pearsall, his brother, Robert (Bob) (Julianna) Clark, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, 325 W. Washtenaw St, Lansing, MI on June 8, 2024 from 3pm-5pm, with a time of sharing at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to MSU Evans Scholars at 831 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823.
3 Messages to “William Lee “Bill” Clark”
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Valerie Brodbeck
May 2, 2024 at 3:34 pmMy heart is absolutely broken. This larger than life man was such a huge part of my life. Clarkie and I worked together for over 20 years, he was my closest friend, back up dad, and workmate. He guided me through all my ups and downs and I could not have had a better mentor and friend. I will always have you in my heart but you will be missed terribly. Till we meet on the otherside, the angels are blessed to have you now.
Pilar Tarry
May 4, 2024 at 12:19 amCondolences to the entire Pearsall family at this difficult time. I have fond memories of Bill from gatherings at the Leitz house. He always took time to say a kind word to us, even as kids.
Steve Parks
May 7, 2024 at 2:41 pmMy condolences to Steve and Amy and the rest of the Clark family. I got to know Bill and Penny while I worked at the Michigan Athletic Club a few years ago. Bill and Penny were always a pleasure to help. They were always friendly and Bill will be missed.