Fred Pressly Clarke

Mr. Fred Pressly Clarke, 83, of Statesville, died Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Born in Iredell County on February 17, 1932, he was a son of the late Frank Love Clarke and Ella Puckett Clarke. Fred was retired from Rental Uniform Service of Statesville as a Sales Manager. He was a member of Western Avenue Baptist Church. He was also a member of Statesville Masonic Lodge # 27 A.F. & A.M. and the Oasis Shrine Temple.  He was a Master Mason for 53 years. He attended Avery Sherrill School, D. Matt Thompson Junior High and graduated from Statesville High School. Fred served his country during the Korean War in the U. S. Army. He was preceded in death by a son, Buddy Ray Clarke. On March 6, 1954, he married the former Colene Stroud who survives. Also surviving are a son, Freddie Berdale Clarke, and his fiance’ Kimberly, of Mooresville, two daughters, Karon Clarke Shew (Johnny) of Jonesville and Sharon Clarke Sigmon of N. Myrtle Beach. Also surviving are grandchildren: Jeremy S. Harmon, Alisha D. Harmon and Amber M. Clarke along with two great grandsons, Jay Steele and Jacob Spencer-Harmon Services celebrating Fred’s life will be conducted at  3 : 00 on  Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Western Ave. Baptist Church with Dr. James D. (Skip) Cartin, Rev. Jeff Spry and Rev. Steve LeaShomb officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with full Masonic Rites presented by the members of the Masonic Lodge. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from  1:00 to 3:00 prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsnfunerals.com . Memorials may be given to: Western Ave. Baptist Church 1206 Museum Rd. Statesville, N.C. 28625, Midway Baptist Church, 1670 Mt. Jefferson Rd., W. Jefferson, N.C. 28694, The Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, S.C. 29605, or to the East Iredell Lions Club, C/O Wilson White, 141 Twin Lakes Dr. Statesville, N.C. 28625. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.