Clark, Milton Carnell

Milton Cornell Clark, 81, of Pulaski, Va., departed this life on Monday, October 27, 2008. Cornell, as he was known to many, was born on March 4, 1927, to Harry Clark and Lucy Electric Peyton Clark.

Cornell attended Calfee School and later Christiansburg Institute. He served his country as a member of the United States Navy. Cornell was a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement in Pulaski County, he was instrumental in bringing Roy Wilkins to the area, we it was thought and stated by many that this would be an impossible task. Cornell fought in the community for voter registration, fair housing and equal employment. He was a proponent of higher education and worked tirelessly to ensure the youth of the community were treated fairly in the public school system and sports programs. It was stated by many that he gave the youth “a ray of hope” when the “majority rule” was commonplace.

Cornell was a life long and faithful member of the Pentecostal United Holy Church, Pulaski, Va., where he served as a Deacon for many years. His dream was to see a new church building erected and this dream is now a reality that he got to see and enjoy. Cornell loved his community and had a huge heart for people and making a difference in the lives of those that he touched.

Cornell was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lucy Clark; and a son, Milton Clark. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 54 years, Mable Grubb Clark; three children, Michael Clark, Shelia Clark and Gary Clark; five grandchildren, Anastasia (Shawn) Roseberry, Chanel Harshaw, Gari Clark, Chiara Clark and Aidan Nichols; six great-grandchildren, Rubin Harshaw, Isis Wade, Jaydin Harshaw, Abigail Roseberry, Charya Harshaw and Christopher Roseberry. Extended family members include Barbara Witcher, Theodore Page, Roscoe Young and Diane Turner.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 31, 2008, at the Pentecostal United Holy Church, 16th Street Extension with Elder Arnold Jones officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. with the funeral immediately following. Interment at West Dublin Cemetery, Dublin, Va. The family is served by Penn’s Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.