Murray Clark (Frisco Mo) of Hatteras passed away peacefully on August 27 in Florida, leaving behind a life filled with adventure, love, and stories that will be cherished forever.
Born in 1929, Mo spent his early years in far-flung corners of the world, including the Philippines, China, and Peru. His father, Murray Whitney Clark, served as a senior US Navy officer with a diplomatic role in Peru during World War II, while his mother, Annette Petersen Clark, devoted herself to raising Mo and his five siblings of which he was the eldest.
After four years of serving in the Navy, Mo’s adventurous spirit took him to Alaska, where he drove a bulldozer and built a foundation for his future. With his hard-earned savings, he purchased his first home in the Fan District of Richmond. Shortly after, he married Bettye Burrous, and together they welcomed their son, Christopher. The family later moved to Charlottesville, where Mo’s entrepreneurial spirit led him into real estate.
In his younger years, Mo lived for speed and excitement, racing sports cars until he wisely decided to step away, recognizing that life’s risks should be taken thoughtfully. The family relocated to Nags Head, North Carolina, where Mo’s love of the sea truly flourished. He purchased the First Colony Inn, acquired a commercial fishing boat, and, after the end of his 10-year marriage, found solace and purpose on the open water.
For many years, Mo lived the dream many only dare to imagine, offering his skills as a diesel mechanic, providing tow boat services, and leading adventure tours across the Caribbean and Yucatan aboard his beloved yacht, “Mechanic.” Even at the age of 80, Mo’s boundless energy and passion saw him guiding fishing and scuba tours off the shores of Roatan Island, Honduras.
Mo’s presence was magnetic—handsome, charismatic, intelligent, and funny. His life was filled with extraordinary luck and thrilling moments, whether it was navigating treacherous storms at sea, surviving a motorcycle accident in Haiti, soaking up the sun in Cuba, or swimming fearlessly alongside sharks. He lived boldly, ate simply, and swam every day, forever connected to the ocean that was his true home.
Though his life as a seaman meant many of his friendships were brief, the bonds he formed were deep, and his passions for the ocean, boats, and trading properties remained constant throughout his life. His heart was never far from Hatteras, where he always kept a home, a place that anchored his free-spirited soul.
Mo is survived by his brother, Captain Alexander Petersen Clark of Virginia, his sister Janet Innes Clark of Massachusetts, his son Christopher Clark who is a grandfather of 3, and many friends who became his chosen family.
As Bob Marley beautifully put it, “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” Mo lived by this philosophy, filling his days with joy, adventure, and purpose. He will be remembered as a man of immense spirit, whose love for the sea and adventure will forever inspire those who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held November 23rd between 4-6pm at 46256 Doc Folb Lane Buxton, NC.
