CLARK, Vernon T. Jr. 63 of Port Tampa, went to be with the Lord on June 20, 2011, surrounded by his family at home after a 3 year battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his father, VT Clark. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Clark; daughter, Linda Ellis and her husband, Kyle; granddaughter, Kylin Ellis; mother, Margaret Clark; sister, Sue Scott and her husband; Loren, and many other loving family members and friends. Vernon was born on May 25, 1948 in Tampa. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1966. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He later graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in photojournalism. He was a lifelong resident of Port Tampa. He was a member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, he was a 33rd Degree Mason, member of the Hillsborough Masonic Lodge #25 and Port Tampa Masonic Lodge #153, Egypt Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Tall Cedars, Order of the Eastern Star and numerous other masonic fraternities. Vernon was an employee of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office where he proudly served as a photo lab tech and photographer. Vernon was well known for his sense of humor. He was a talented photographer and had an excellent eye for the art of photography. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and co-workers. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24 from 6-8 pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 25 at 10am at Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, 3723 Bay to Bay Ave. followed by grave side services at the Garden of Memories. Flowers are welcome however, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital and/or Palma Ceia United Methodist Church. Please sign the online guestbook at www.BlountCurryMacDill.com

Published in the St. Petersburg Times on June 23, 2011