Dr. Joe Lynn Clark

Joe L. Clark, M.D., age 82, of Westminster Canterbury, Lynchburg, died on June 17, 2024 from Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Sandusky, Ohio to Melvin and Ethel Clark and raised in Delray Beach, Florida. He is survived by his loving wife Elinor Ann, whom he married on June 16, 1962; son Evan of Winchester, Virginia; sister, Kay Winters of Springfield, Ohio; and granddaughter, Isabella, daughter of our son Spencer and his wife Marilee, who live in Lakewood, Colorado; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Joe was pre-deceased by his son Spencer and niece Michelle Minuck.

Joe loved sports. He was the fastest 40-yard dasher in his school, landing him the role of running back of the football team. He was scouted and recruited by Division I and II colleges. Joe served his country in the United States Air Force as a surgeon, stationed at Langley Air Force Base from 1968 to 1970. Joe also loved intellectual pursuits and was educated at Emory, Harvard, Duke, the University of Iowa, and CVCC.

Joe practiced ENT/Head and Neck Surgery in Lynchburg for 30 glorious years. He was also active in community projects, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, and Christmas in April. In addition, he served as bone marrow donor chairman and president of the Lynchburg Rotary Club when it had 120 members. He and Elinor Ann were asked by the Boy Scouts to administer a program for high school students wherein they could earn ski tickets in exchange for learning CPR and First Aid.

Joe also loved flying and held land, commercial, instrument, and multi-engine ratings. His favorite co-pilot was Elinor Ann, who too is a pilot.

Joe was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Bible School teacher and was active in the Men's Bible Study. He did mission work in Malawi, Africa, and in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Most of all, Joe was known for his easy smile and pleasant disposition.

Joe's family would like to express its gratitude to many "marvelous angels," who were friends and family, staff at Westminster Canterbury and Westminster at Home Hospice who provided loving care for Joe during his illness.

A friends and family visitation will be held this Saturday the June 22nd from 4 to 6pm at Westminster Canterbury 501 V.E.S. Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24503 in the Hume room.

The Celebration of Life will be held this Sunday, the 23rd, at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church 1215 V.E.S. Rd Lynchburg VA 24503 with a reception at the church to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Clark Family Spiritual Growth Fund of First Presbyterian Church (1215 V.E.S. Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503) or Westminster Canterbury Fellowship Endowment Fund (https:/www.wclynchburg.org/giving) or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or at https://www.michaeljfox.org).

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.