John R. Clarke

John R. Clarke, 73, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 3, 2021.

He was born March 25, 1948, in Washington, DC, a son of the late John William and Ruth Durst Clarke. He was predeceased by his wife Donna H. Clarke in 2004, and his brother, Timothy Clarke.

John finished high school in Alexandria, Virginia, and furthered his education at the University of South Carolina where he was a member of the USC Association of Lettermen. John graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1970 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1973. In 1974, John moved to North Myrtle Beach where he shared an office with John Horne until 1976 and then opened his own law practice.

John thrived as an attorney and had a successful career. He was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 1973 and admitted to practice before the United States District Court, District of South Carolina; the United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit; and the United States Supreme Court, where he was instrumental in several landmark cases that changed South Carolina law.

John also served as the vice chairman of the Public Defenders Corporation for Horry County from 1976-1977, as a board member from the Sixth Congressional District appointed by the Governor to the Occupational Health and Safety Review Board from 1989-1994, and as a judge advocate for the South Carolina District of Civitan from 1992-2002.

John believed in community service and was a dedicated Civitan, a member of the Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, and an avid supporter of the Gamecocks.

John’s greatest love was being the proud father of two adoring daughters and two beloved granddaughters, who brought great joy and happiness to him, despite his serious illness.

Surviving are his two daughters, Ashleigh Clarke, and her husband Craig Flanders and Marijon Clarke, and his two granddaughters, Caitlyn Pace and Lillian Pace.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, October 8, 2021, at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at North Myrtle Beach Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: American Heart Association

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