Allen Knox Clark

Allen K Clark, 87, of Banner Elk, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and the music of John Denver, on January 9, 2025. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. 

Born August 3, 1937 to Grady and Ella Mae Clark, Allen grew up in Bristol, the youngest of five. He graduated from Virginia High School in 1955 and worked his way through East Tennessee State University, graduating with a BS in Management in 1964.  Allen served as a staff sergeant in the Air National Guard.

He married Nancy Adams in 1962, and the couple lived briefly in Charlotte before returning to Bristol. Allen joined her father at States Motor Company, growing the business over several decades to include States Toyota and Clark Motor Cars.  Allen loved the car business, especially the relationships he formed with his customers, employees, and, specifically, his fellow Toyota dealers across the country. His family fondly remembers and never let him forget his advertising tag line: “I really would give them away, but my wife won’t let me!”

Allen was happiest in the mountains.  He skied Beech starting in the 1970s, a tradition that continued with his kids and grandkids. He was a devoted Hokie fan and attended countless home games with family and friends.  He got his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying for business and pleasure.  He and Nancy enjoyed rich and enduring relationships with their lifelong Bristol friends, which continue to this day. 

Allen and Nancy relocated to Banner Elk in 1998, where they enjoyed retirement and full time mountain life.  Active members of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, Allen served in many roles and cherished his weekly prayer breakfast, the B-Boyz, until the end of his good days.  Allen was also a founder and longtime volunteer for Feeding Avery Families, a non-profit food pantry. 

Big Al, or Bubba as he was called, first by grandbabies but soon by friends and family alike, loved to laugh. He always had a quip or an affectionate tease for those he loved. He spent happy hours playing with his grandkids, enjoying good food and wine, jazz crooners and oldies, and always, ice cream. A snappy dresser, his sartorial style could best be described as “keeping warm.” Of his many accomplishments, he was by far the proudest of the devoted family he and Nancy created. His memory will be forever cherished by his family, friends, and his dog, Beamer, named after Virginia Tech’s former coach. 

Allen is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Adams Clark, and four children, Cameron Clark Serafim, Allen Knox Clark Jr. (Sarah), Courtney Clark Wainscott (Grant), and Donna Clark.  He is survived by seven grandchildren, Allen Knox Clark III, Milly Bell Clark, Faris William Serafim, Amelia Adams Wainscott, Reedy Jane Clark, Finley Walton Serafim, and Chase Edward Wainscott.  Allen was preceded in death by his parents, his son in law Chuck Serafim, and his four siblings. 

Following a private burial, the family will gather with friends this spring to celebrate his life.  Details of an event will be announced at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Katie Downing, Debbi Hagna, and Danita for their loving care, Cranberry House, Glenbridge Rehabilitation Facility, and Medi-Home Hospice of Avery and Watauga Counties. 

In lieu of flowers, that family asks that you please donate to Feeding Avery Families at feedingaveryfamilies.org or the Avery County Human Society at averyhumane.org.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Clark family.

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