Willis Clark Jr

Willis (Bill) Clark Jr. age 88, passed away on October 17, 2019 in Loma Linda, CA. He was born on July 18, 1931 in Warsaw, MO, son of Col. Willis Clark Sr. and Blanche Brown Clark.

Willis Sr. was a prominent auctioneer, livestock dealer and assisted Blanche in the operation of Clark Dry Goods Store, Warsaw, MO. Younger brother Bob was born in 1935. Willis Sr. passed away early in life and Willis Jr. accepted the role of head of household to provide for mother and brother, working on the farm with his Uncle Tyre and Aunt Mildred while getting his education.

Joining the US Air Force in December 1948 at the age of 17, Willis served in the Korean War being stationed in Japan. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant on July 14, 1951 at the age of 19. During his service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the Army of Occupation Medal. He was honorably discharged from Whiteman Air Force Base, Knobnostar, MO on September 1, 1952.

Willis married Darlene Bybee on July 25, 1954 making their home in Kansas City, MO where he attended Auction School. Shortly after son Tim's birth, they moved to Southern California where he started his young career and where daughter Teri and son Tracy were born. The family moved to Riverside, CA where Willis opened Byrite Park, one of Southern California's largest furniture resale outlets and auctions and where sons Todd and Troy were born. The family and business later moved and expanded into Antique acquisitions and sales in Northern California and Albuquerque, NM. After many years, Willis returned to Riverside where he started Byrite Auction and opened a new business, The Appliance Recycling Factory.

Willis and Gisela began their life together in 1997 with daughter Billie being born in 2004. Willis retired from his business, moving the family to Yucaipa, CA. In his retirement years Willis enjoyed spending quality time with daughter Billie, gardening, buying and selling antique items. He cared deeply about veterans and the less fortunate.

Willis was preceded in death by his son Tracy Willis in 1960, brother Robert (Bob) Neil in 1984, infant brother Erwin, mother Blanche in 1954 and father Willis Sr. in 1946.

Having lived a long and fulfilling life, Willis is survived by his loving wife of over 20 years, Gisela and adoring daughter Billie. Children and Grandchildren from Willis’ first marriage to Darlene are
Tim (Terry), Teri, Todd (Eileen) and Troy (Laura). Grandchildren Timarie (Mike), Shannon, TJ (Stacy), Kristin, Troy (Erin), Amanda, Karisa (Joe), Hanna, Taylor, Kameron, Morgan, Natasha and Robert. Great-Grandchildren Malia, Maddox, Myah, Aidan, Joey, Emma, Timmy Jr., Logan, Jackson (Jax), Gavin, Malia, and expectant twin girls.

He will be deeply missed by in-laws Elcira, Juan, Gustavo, Anthony, Ariana; Lillian, Arnoldo, Nareda, Ingrid, Nestor, Arli and Norma. Willis also leaves behind many adoring nieces and nephews of sister-in-law’s Freda, Rosemary and Beverly.

Celebration of Life will be held on November 1, 2019 at 12pm at the March Field Air Museum, 22550 Van Buren Boulevard (at I-215), Riverside, CA 92518.

Memorial contributions may be made to the beloved charity of Willis, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

.

Friday, November 1, 2019
12:00 PM

March Air Field Museum
22550 Van Buren Blvd
Riverside, CA 92518

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willis Clark Jr, please visit our floral store.