It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William Hughes "Bill" Clark, Jr., 88, of Pensacola, who passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Bill was born on July 10, 1937, in Stuart, VA, the son of W. Hughes Clark and Clarice Jewell Tickle Clark. He grew up in Richmond, VA, where he graduated from Douglas Southall Freeman High School before attending Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. He went on to earn his law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law - a place that would remain dear to him throughout his life.

During his freshman year of undergraduate studies at Washington and Lee, Bill was lucky enough to be set up on a blind date with a smart, beautiful, and talented pianist named Martha Bowman. Bill and Martha were married on June 6, 1960, in Lynchburg, VA, the same weekend he graduated from Washington and Lee and she graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman's College - beginning a beautiful marriage that would span 65 years.

Upon graduating from law school, Bill and Martha moved to Pensacola, FL, where Bill began his law career at Harrell Wiltshire. In the early 1970s, Bill, along with his best friend and colleague Don Partington, founded Clark Partington Attorneys at Law. Brothers Bob and Chris Hart joined soon thereafter, and the firm became Clark, Partington, Hart & Hart. Bill maintained a broad-based litigation practice, with his passion for broadcast journalism leading him to concentrate in media law and eminent domain. His integrity, dedication, and sharp wit endeared him to colleagues and clients alike. In 2013, he was honored for 50 years of membership in The Florida Bar. During his distinguished career, Bill served as president of the Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar Association, as a governor on the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar representing the First Judicial Circuit, and as president of the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of Five Flags Rotary of Pensacola and served as president of the Pensacola Jaycees. Clark Partington Hart & Hart went on to become the largest law firm in Northwest Florida.

Bill was an elder and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, a trustee of the Rehabilitation Institute of West Florida, and an adjunct professor of media law at the University of West Florida. After retiring, he kept working as a certified mediator. He and Martha enjoyed many social activities and organizations - including the Hidalgos, Rebellaires, Tristan, and Ariola. His memberships at the Pensacola Yacht Club and Pensacola Country Club helped develop his love of sailing and golf.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill will be remembered for his quick humor, thoughtful conversations, and deep sense of kindness. He had an infectious laugh, loved a good story, and a good joke even more. He found joy in the many summers spent with the Partingtons at their side-by-side homes on Perdido Bay, attending the W&L Alumnae College, and hiking in the mountains near their home in North Carolina.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Martha; their three daughters, Mary Ellen Downie (Bobby) of Tallahassee, FL, Virginia "Ginny" Clark (Ann Scott) of Richmond, VA, and Margaret "Peggy" Hayes (Kevin) of Pensacola. He also leaves behind his beautiful grandchildren, Michael Shiplet (Paige Willey), William Shiplet (Catie), Lauren Hayes, and Leah Hayes; his brother, Howard Clark (Judy) of Vienna, VA; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, October 18, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Pensacola, followed by a catered lunch in the activities building.

Honorary pallbearers will be the attorneys and staff of Clark Partington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Manna Food Bank, Emerald Coast Hospice, or a charity of choice.