Robert Willard Clark, 92, passed away Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013 at the Tryon Estates Medical Facility.

Born in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late Harry and Annie Brewer Clark. He was the widower of Frances Wade Clark who died in 2010.

Col. Clark was a graduate of Duke University where he played basketball. Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force where he was an Officer of Special Investigations, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Following his retirement from the Air Force, he spent 13 years as the assistant registrar at the US Naval Academy before moving to Tryon, NC. in 1985.

Col. Clark was a dedicated volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital and was a member of the 4/5th club in the St. Luke’s Print Shop.  He was also a member of the Tryon Rotary and Tryon Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are a son, Robert W. Clark (Sandra) of Neptune Beach, Fla.; two daughters, Diane C. Withrow (Robert) of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; and Barbara C. Lynch (Clifford) of Birmingham, Al. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Carleton Lynch Curtis, Daniel Lukas Clark, Jennifer Withrow Davey and Katherine Withrow Stokes; as well as seven great-grandchildren: Emily, Abby, Carly and Harrison Davey and Ryan, Carson and Austin Stokes.

Col. Clark was preceded in death by a brother Harry V. Clark.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 in the Tryon Estates Auditorium, Columbus.

Memorials may be made to the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, 101 Hospital Dr. Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com