George Ray
Clark (DeDe)
George Ray Clark passed away on July 7, 2021 at home surrounded by family. He was born January 22, 1934 in Dover to Raymond Clark and Sarah Cordray. He was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Clark (2018); wife, Agnes "Pinky" Clark (2019); and daughter, Joyce Anne Harvey (2020).
Ray grew up in Dover and went to Dover High School. His first job was a gas station attendant when he was 16 years old. When he turned 18 his father got him a job at Dover Electric Supply. He ended up working at Dover Electric for 50 years total. He worked as a salesman for 42 years. He then retired and went back to work in the warehouse for 8 years part time. Ray served in the Delaware National Guard for 9 years before he was honorably discharged. He met his beautiful wife, Pinky, when he was 19 and she was 15. They got married 2 years later and enjoyed 63 years together until her passing. They raised two beautiful children, Denny and Joyce Ann. Mid life Ray coached a few men's softball teams in which his son, Denny, played middle infield. One of his favorites was Eddie Davis Stables. One year they won the class C Delaware State Championship and numerous "Budweiser Team of the Week" awards. Ray was a life member of the Little Creek Fire Company serving as Chief, Assistant Chief and all administrative offices. He served at the company and his community for over 60 years, at the time of his passing he was the oldest living member. He was seen at every Fireman's parade driving the antique engine, 54-4. He enjoyed working special events with the fire company at Dover Downs, crab feasts and especially helping the Auxiliary. In his later years he became valued driver and had top 10 alarms many times. Over the last 60 years Ray has responded to over 5000 alarms in the Town of Little Creek. He was also a member of Robbins Hose of Dover. He enjoyed golf as well, Ray and his son Denny would team up with friends, Doug and Rodney Hegman to play golf in all the fire company golf events. He really enjoyed those times with the "boys".
Family was the most important value to Ray. He really enjoyed when family stopped in to visit him and Pink. They have always hosted holiday dinners and Sunday gatherings. Ray loved to help his wife Pink prepare the meals and then take care of the dishes. He had the pleasure of watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow through the years. There was only one little special sweetheart, McKenzie, in which he only got a couple years with. He tried to spoil her as much as he could until his illness. He loved to talk about his grandsons playing baseball and then his great granddaughters playing softball. Ray was hit hard the last few years after losing the family he had built. Some may say his heart was broken. He continued to be a strong, kind and gracious pop pop to those that remained. He was a sweet soul that would do anything at all for anybody. He was a leader, a teacher and a very inspiring man.
Ray is survived by his grandsons, Jason Courtney (Darla), Brian Courtney, Robby Clark (Amanda); great granddaughters, Stephany Courtney, Jada Courtney and McKenzie Clark; great grandsons, Anthony Hydro and Dave Peer; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; special friends, Chris Lovelace (Susan), Doug and Judy Hegman, Dennis and Penny Gentry, Chief Michael "Scott" Bundek and all his fire company family. Special Thanks to nurse, Kathy Brown; niece, Dawn Gunning (Kevin), Donna Carpenter (Al); and his neighbor from recent years, Crystal. Ray appreciated each and every one of you.
Viewing will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Little Creek Fire Hall. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 12 p.m. at the Little Creek Fire Hall. Burial Service will follow at Sharon Hills Cemetery.
Letters of condolences may be sent to http://www.traderfh.com
Donations can be made out to Little Creek Volunteer Fire Co.