WAVERLY—Lyle Francis “Bill” Clark, 81, a resident of Neblett Mill Road, died June, 2008, at his residence.

Mr. Clark was born May 5, 1927 in Rockbridge County, Virginia, he was the son of the late James P. Clark and Cora Delia Clark.

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Virginia West Clark and

daughter, Candy Clark.

Survivors include three daughters, Judy Ellen Decker and her fiance Frederick W. Phipps III of Prince George, LuAnn Clark

of Waverly and Billie Sue Goff and husband Robert “Bob” M. Goff Jr. of Disputanta; a son, Neil VanFossen of Waverly; two granddaughters, Samantha Caroline Jeter and husband Jonathan and Cori Tress-Irene Larson; twin great-granddaughters, Zo‘ Michelle Jeter and Taylor Christian Jeter; a great-grandson, Corey Jackson Jeter; a sister, Irene Clark Wagoner of

Sparta, N.C.; and three nephews, David, Donnie, and Jamie Wagoner and their families.

He began to work in the coal mines of Crimora, Va. at age 15.

While serving

in the US Army during the Korean War, he was trained to operate heavy construction equipment. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he began to work for numerous construction companies all across the country.

He was proud to have worked on construction projects that built major roads such as I-64, I-95, I-288, I-85, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway and he had a tale to tell about each job.

He retired at age 65 and went into business for himself operating Lyle “Bill” Clark Clearing and Excavation out of Sussex County.

He was a long-time, avid, passionate and much-loved Bluegrass musician.

He began to perform at age five when he got his first guitar.

His first group was the Brent Mountain Boys who became award winners on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour.

Later he formed his own group, Bill Clark and the Country Boys, with whom he performed all across the country for the rest of his life. He was honored by the Virginia Folk Music Association and won numerous other

“pickin’” awards throughout his career.

He graciously mentored many Bluegrass musicians and was a powerful influence in Bluegrass music during his life. Bill was a member of the Newville Baptist Church in Waverly, Sussex-Newville Hunt Club and a former member of the Waverly Ruritan Club.

A funeral service was held Sunday at Purviance Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son, Wakefield with the Rev. Dr. Richard Bendall presiding.

Burial followed in Waverly Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, 2788 Hydraulic Rd., Charlottesville, VA 27410 or to World Health Services, 21122 Cabin Point Rd., Disputanta, VA 23842.

Condolences may be posted on line at www.jtmorriss.com