William C. Clarke

William “Bill” C. Clarke, age 72, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in the company of his family. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He always demonstrated strength of character and clear values, along with good humor, kindness, and generosity. Bill deeply loved his family and friends.

Born January 8, 1954, the son of Michael and Shirley Clarke, Bill grew up in Catoctin Furnace in Thurmont, Maryland. He and his nine siblings were fixtures in their Blue Mountain neighborhood, often seen riding their bikes to Bubber’s store or the Market Basket. Bill developed a strong work ethic early on, picking fruit at Pryor’s orchard, shoveling snow, and later working at Camp Airy and the Catoctin Zoo. A tragic bicycle accident claimed the life of Bill’s older brother, Mike, in 1966. From then on, Bill guided, sheltered, and influenced his younger brothers and sisters - Tina, David (deceased), Rose, Kenny, Fred, Angie, Amy, and Chuck.

Bill attended Catoctin High School, being among those who walked into CHS on opening day. He enjoyed playing soccer and basketball, engaging in a few fights to defend the underdog, and dating more than a few girls. He began working at Hahn’s Drive-in where Mr. and Mrs. Hahn sternly, yet affectionately, mentored him; he would hold them in high regard for the rest of his life. By the end of high school, Bill found his special girl, Debbie, whom he would marry in 1976. Together they enjoyed 49 years of marriage.

Following high school, Bill joined the U.S. Army where he would proudly serve for 23 years. The majority of his career was spent in the recruiting field where he excelled, even managing to enlist three brothers and one cousin. His first recruiting duty station was in Richmond, Virginia working under the supervision of Sgt. Bill Harris who became a lifelong friend. Bill was promoted to a recruiting supervisory position in the Virginia Army National Guard in Staunton, Virginia and named Recruiter of the Year in 1993. While enjoying his military career, Bill was a doting husband and attentive father. He and Debbie welcomed their first child, a daughter, Mandy, in 1979. She was the apple of her father’s eye. Next would come a son in 1986, Michael, and their family was complete. Bill loved coaching his children on the ball field and the basketball court. He dressed up as Santa Claus for his daughter’s preschool, went on most of the kids’ field trips, and thoroughly embraced Halloween shenanigans. As his children aged, both of them knew there was nothing their dad would not do to assist them in life.

Following retirement from the Army, Bill and Debbie moved their family “back home” to Thurmont where they enjoyed many years of happiness. Bill worked at Bowling Brook Preparatory School and later for the Department of Defense at Fort Detrick. At the time of his retirement in 2022, Bill had amassed 42 years of combined service between the Army and Department of Defense.

Beyond family and work, Bill loved playing in a competitive church softball league as well as hunting, fishing, bowling, and golfing with friends. A devout New York Yankee’s fan from childhood, he seldom missed a televised Yankee game. Throughout the years, Bill was well known for his immaculate lawn and precision landscaping. He enjoyed cooking and was an integral part of Trinity UMC’s Community Meal program. His cheesecakes and soups were the best. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren in sporting events and school activities. Every summer he would vacation in Myrtle Beach with family, where he could often be found chasing down the ice cream truck or playing in the pool with his grandchildren.

Monthly poker games with friends were a highlight, especially if he won, and he enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms every spring, a love he passed on to his children. He looked forward to weekly gatherings with family for “Survivor Night”. Bill was often heard whistling throughout the day; he was a happy, contented man who knew he was blessed.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah (Watkins) Clarke; daughter, Amanda (Clarke) Zaplitny and husband, Chris Zaplitny; son, Michael Clarke and wife, Sarah (Plante) Clarke; grandchildren, Joselyn Neil and Atticus Clarke; and step-grandchildren, Lucas Zaplitny and Max Zaplitny.

The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E Main Street in Thurmont.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the funeral home in Thurmont.

Burial will be held immediately following the service at Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery, 9540 Waynesboro Pike, Emmitsburg, MD.

A reception will be held immediately following services and burial at the Emmitsburg Vigilant Hose Company Activities Building, 17701 Creamery Road, in Emmitsburg.

Bill’s grandchildren were the light of his life. In honor of them, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brunswick Railroaders Little League program (checks made out to Brunswick Railroader Little League, PO Box 98, Jefferson, MD, 21755) or to Mother Seton School (checks mailed to 100 Creamery Road, Emmitsburg, Md, 21727, or online at bit.ly/MSSMemorialGift).