Thomas Lawrence Clarke, Jr.

Thomas, also known as Tommy to family and childhood friends, was born to Dr. Thomas L. Clarke, Sr. and Mattie S. Clarke on February 11, 1965, in Winston-Salem, NC.  He departed this life peacefully at home on April 26, 2025, in Winston-Salem, NC.

After graduating from East Forsyth Senior High School, he attended Hampton University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

Thomas worked at Step-One Substance Abuse Services (now known as Insight Human Services) as a Program Manager from 1996-2007.  He subsequently worked at Winston-Salem State University as a Transfer Articulation Specialist until retiring in 2016.

Thomas was very actively engaged in the community from an early age through his retirement.  As an active and enthusiastic Boy Scout, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, and earned Bronze, Silver, and Gold Palms after earning Eagle.  He served as a senior patrol leader and was the bugler for his Scout Troop.  Thomas also participated in sports such as swimming where he specialized in the breaststroke with the Patterson Avenue YMCA Swim Team; Aikido where he earned a brown belt; camping with his Boy Scout Troops; and indoor rock climbing.

Known for his musical talent, Tommy sang solos in the church choir, and added impact to hymns by helping provide trumpet fanfares as part of a brass trio at First Baptist Church on Highland Avenue.  He played the piano, trumpet, baritone, and bugle.  He was drum major both at Carver High School and East Forsyth Senior High School.  He enjoyed acting in plays in high school, including "Anything Goes."

Thomas actively mentored friends and young people in the Winston-Salem community and participated in online communities as a content creator and podcaster.  His extensive knowledge of collectible action figures was amazing.  Other creative outlets included creating and customizing his own action figures, interior design, and sewing.  He used his tailoring talents to design clothes for the action figures he created, as well as for himself, family, and friends.  He enjoyed cooking, baking, and entertaining.  Friends and family alike enjoyed gathering to socialize with him and share his culinary creations.  He also liked to travel, and Hawaii was one of his favorite places.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Benita Clarke and Beverly (Bernard) Mattox; his niece, Veronique Mattox; various cousins: Clarence Shuford, Bettina Shuford, Artis (Cathy) Shuford and Derrol (Kim) Shuford, Sharon Parker, Donna Parker, Kim Wheeler, Kevin Clarke, Kenneth (Tracy) Clarke, Linward (Cecilia) Clarke, Judy Francis,  Aisha (Clayton) Samuels, Mereda (Hank) Johnson and Jackie Davis; his godmother, Ruth Oliver; his friends, Otho (Cindy) Darden, Jr., Mark Maxwell and Timothy Young; his beloved dog, Magic; and many other family members and friends.

In honor of his journey and the life-changing kidney transplant he received, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be mailed to: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, PO Box 571021, Winston-Salem, NC 27157. Donations may be designated to support kidney transplant programs or the area of greatest need.

A celebration of life for Thomas Clarke, Jr. will be held from 3:00pm until 5:00pm Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 S. Main Street, Kernersville, NC 27284.

I give you this one thought to keep

I am with you still

I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glint in snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle Autumn rain

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight

I am the soft stars that shine at night

Do not think of me as gone

I am with you still in each new dawn

-- Author Unknown