Robert Norman Clarke

Reverend Robert (Bob) Norman Clarke

A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and colleague, Robert (Bob) Norman Clarke passed away on September 7, 2021, in Blue Ridge, GA. at the age of 95.

He is survived by his 2nd wife, Ida-Anne Hopper Clarke, his three daughters, Donna Sue Clarke (Jeff) Fish of Beech Mountain, N.C., Amelia (Amy) Anne Clarke (Stephen) Deihl of Woodstock, GA and Margaret (Peggy) Anne Clarke (Dennis) Noland of Marietta, GA. as well as two grandsons: Tyler Reeves Deihl of Holly Springs, GA, and Connor Ryan Deihl of Spring Hill, TN.

Bob served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Idaho in WWII as a musician and was honorably discharged in 1946. He earned a B.A. degree at Westminster Choir College and moved to Decatur, GA to accept the call of employment at First Christian Church of Decatur, Disciples of Christ. Over the 46 years he was at F.C.C.D. he served as Minister of Music, Education and Membership. While there, he earned his master’s degree in Christian Education from Emory Candler School of Theology.

Upon his retirement from First Christian Church, Decatur, he was asked to form a choir at Cherry Log Christian Church where he also formed a hand bell choir and men’s chorale. Bob and Ida-Anne moved to Blue Ridge to become a part of that community and congregation.

Bob served in many capacities; his caring and natural leadership skills were recognized, evidenced and appreciated by many organizations’ boards, at the local. state, regional and national levels.

Besides music, Bob LOVED to travel. Bob enjoyed “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.” He followed the Braves Baseball team ardently and faithfully, even in their lean years. He LOVED people. And EVERYBODY loved Bob. He was always soft spoken, encouraging, supportive, and down-to-earth, a “decent” very well-respected man. He was generous; never critical, nor unkind under any circumstances. He was always looking for a way to be helpful and supportive unobtrusively; always encouraging of a person’s efforts, always interested in everything going on. Bob Clarke leaves a legacy of love for God, church, music, and family which will live on for years to come.

Two services will be held in person and live streamed:

Saturday, September 25, 2:00 pm – Masks required – Social distance as possible

Cherry Log Christian Church 1149 Cherry Log St., Cherry Log, GA 30522

Live stream: https: clccdoc.org/memorials

Saturday, October 2, 11:00 am – Masks required – Social distance as possible

First Christian Church of Decatur

601 W. Ponce de Leon Ave

Decatur, GA 30030

Live stream: https: www.facebook.com/DecaturDisciples/

*In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Bob’s honor can be sent to either of the churches above, or Rev. Rob Morris C/0 Memorial Gift Department Christmount 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC 2871