Michael Clark

"Michael Clark, 57, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at Duke Hospital in the loving arms of his wife, Kelli Clark. He is predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Doris and David Clark, and his sister, Wendy Smith. Mike is survived by his wife, Kelli and daughter, Lillian, his sisters, Michelle and Angie, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike was very passionate about his family, his friends, cooking, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and playing recreational sports with his friends. This included time spent on various golf courses, where Mike could enjoy a cigar and bring a Bloody Mary in a thermos, complete with shrimp and pepperoncini accoutrements. He also enjoyed weekly volleyball on Saturdays with his friends, where laughter and a cold beer afterwards were always more important than the games themselves.

Mike enjoyed spending time maintaining the yard at the home he shared with Kelli and Lillian; he knew each and every plant by heart and would leave detailed instructions for their care whenever he was away. He took great pride in using the things he grew, often incorporating his love of gardening into his love of cooking and craft cocktails by using mint and other herbs that he grew himself to enhance recipes. His love for flowers was evident in his careful selection of which ones he wanted planted at the house. He rarely bought flowers, not because he didn't enjoy them, but because of their fleeting nature; after 25 years of marriage to Kelli, he did cave and buy her roses because he felt she "earned them".

Those that Mike loved, he cared for deeply and fiercely. Mike was often soft spoken and unassuming, instead opting for quiet side conversations with those he cherished, because he wanted to make sure those close to him were heard. Just because he valued his time with people, does not mean that he wouldn't also be sitting and taking everything in, ready with a smirk, a side glance, or a joke whenever he'd hear something he wanted to chime in on. Mike had an incredible sense of humor; sharp, quick, witty, and subtle, paired with an infectious laugh that could change the mood of an entire room. He could make anyone feel like the center of the universe, without making a show or spectacle of it.

The hallmark of Mike's love was subtlety, but the little things he would do cumulated into innumerable acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, and caring. Cooking meals for people just because he thought they'd enjoy them. Reaching out because something reminded him of them. Remembering small details and making them into big moments, such as picking his wedding song with Kelli based off of their first dance together. He cared in so many ways, for so many people, and we were all better for having been graced by his presence in our life."

A private celebration of life is being held in May by invitation only.