Henry Neil Clarke

Henry Neil Clarke, 80, of Supply, NC, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s Brunswick House following a period of declining health.

Neil, affectionately known as “Golden Boy” and “CP,” was born in Concord, NC, on January 19, 1946. He was one of three children born to the late Gray Clarke, Sr., and Nellie Maulden Clarke. A devoted member of Word of Christ Fellowship Church in Supply, NC, Neil retired from Brunswick County Schools.

Neil was truly one of a kind. He lived with a big personality, a wonderful sense of humor, and a spirit that made him unforgettable to everyone who knew him. He loved his family deeply and was a devoted husband, father, Papa, brother, and friend.

From an early age, Neil loved anything with wheels and an engine. In his younger years, he enjoyed hot rods and managed to collect an impressive 37 muffler tickets while cruising the streets of Kannapolis, NC. This was a favorite family story and may help explain where his grandsons inherited some of their own love for cars.

That passion remained with him throughout his life. Neil loved his hot rod truck and was known for creating and changing out his own hand-painted tailgates, each reflecting his creativity and personality. He also had an extensive Hot Wheels collection and could tell you about seemingly every car he owned.

Neil enjoyed riding his motorcycle, often accompanied by his little dog, Tiny, who rode along in a special pouch Vickie made for him. The sight of Neil and Tiny traveling down the road together is a memory family and friends will always cherish.

He was also one of the biggest West Brunswick Trojan fans around. Neil attended most home football games and traveled to away games to support his Trojans. Never one to do anything halfway, he would paint his head green and white—with actual house paint—to show his team spirit. He was also a familiar face in local parades throughout the years. One especially treasured memory for his family was helping him participate in the Christmas parade in Bolivia, NC, one final time.

Behind all the stories, cars, motorcycles, parades, and laughter was a man who loved his family. His greatest legacy will live on through the memories he created, the stories that will continue to be told, and the love he leaves behind. Those who knew Neil will remember his unmistakable personality, his sense of adventure, and the way he lived life on his own terms.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Vickie D. Clarke; his daughter, Sherrie Carlisle and husband, Paul, of Green Sea, SC; his brother, Gray Clarke, Jr.; his sister, Julia Simpson and husband, Harold; his grandchildren, Ray Carlisle and Austin Wisnowski and wife, Taylor; his great-grandson, Noah; and his step-grandchild, Cory Carlisle.

The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Word of Christ Fellowship Church. A memorial service celebrating Neil’s life will follow at 2:00 PM, with the Reverend Gerald Kirby officiating.

The family gratefully requests that memorial donations be made in Neil’s name to Word of Christ Fellowship Church, 1290 Stone Chimney Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462.

Online condolences may be sent to the family through Fulwood Funeral Service.

Michael J. Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service