March 12, 1947 – June 5, 2024
KILL DEVIL HILLS — Craig Thomas Clark, 77, of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, passed away on June 5, 2024, at home after a long battle from the effects of Agent Orange.
Born in Somerville, New Jersey the son of Thomas F. Clark Jr. and Marilyn Staats Clark, who both preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret Mears Clark, his children Tara (Joe) Latino of St. Petersburg, FL, Jessica (Preston) King, Elizabeth (Daniel) Gomez, and Devin Clark all of the Outer Banks of NC. As well as his grandchildren, Aydan, Calvin, Waverly, Luciana, Mason and bonus grandchild Rylan, who were his joy. A twin brother Gregory (Ann) Clark of Manteo, NC, his sister Lynnette (Phil) Casciotti of Elliott, ME and Aunt Marilyn Staats of Media, PA. Also, a large extended family of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
Craig’s three great loves of his life were his family, the US Marine Corps, and the Fire Service. Craig devoted his adult life to these endeavors and was proud to serve his Community and his Country.
At every step, Craig enjoyed life and believed every day to be a blessing that should be lived the best as one can. When not working, you could find Craig with his beloved wife, Margaret, traveling parts of the world or our Country. Both he and Margaret spent time at their city retreat in Wilmington, NC.
While his children were growing up, many a day was spent coaching basketball, baseball, and softball for Babe Ruth or Dare County Recreation. He obtained his Umpire certification, and when not coaching, he could be found on the ball fields calling balls and strikes. In later years, Craig enjoyed exploring his family’s ancestry, fishing, sporting events, and, most of all, family gatherings, which remained an important enjoyment throughout his life.
Craig joined the United States Marine Corps in 1965 after graduating from Somerville High School. He served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. Craig was awarded an Air Medal, permanent aircrew wings, and a commendation for actions while on an air flare drop crew during a combat support mission in October 1967. His unit also received a Presidential Unit Citation. He left the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant after four years of active duty and two years of reserve service. He always said the Tet Offensive of 1968 was a lifelong memory.
After leaving the Marine Corps, he started his Fire Service career as a volunteer in New Jersey with the Somerville Fire Department West End Hose Company #3. Around the same time, Craig was appointed Industrial Fire Chief for a Chemical Coating Company in New Jersey in addition to being the Company’s Plant Superintendent. After moving to North Carolina, he continued his fire service career with Kill Devil Hills, first as Fire Inspector, then Fire Marshal, and lastly Deputy Fire Chief, retiring in 2009 after a long career. He was also a Fire Instructor for the Community College System in North Carolina with the intent of giving back to the Fire Service community.
During his career he held membership in the Industrial Fire Chiefs Association of NJ, was at one time corresponding secretary for the Somerset County Firefighters Association, twice President of the Dare County Fire Officers Association, a member of the Outer Banks Professional Firefighters Association, and International Association of Fire Chiefs. He spent many years studying Fire Service management and tactics graduating from UNC Institute of Government’s Fire Chief Executive Development Program, taking several management classes at the National Fire Academy, among many more hours of training.
When it comes to the Fire Service, Craig’s greatest goal was that his contributions helped leave the fire service a little better than when he started and that those who come after him will take on the same obligation.
There will be a private family graveside service in Manteo, NC. As Craig believes in a form of Universalism, he asks that you pray or send good thoughts for him and his family as you see fit. If you are so inclined to give a donation, please do so to your favorite charity.
His last thoughts were that “goodness, kindness and peace” stay with you all. That my family be well and prosperous.
It’s been a blast!
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
