Reginald Lamar Clarke

Reginald Lamar Clarke, affectionately known as “Reggie,” entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, following a brief illness. He was 59 years old.

Reggie was born on March 8, 1967, in Saginaw, Michigan, to John D. Clarke Jr. and Louise Surles Clarke. He was the first Clarke grandchild and the oldest grandson on both the Clarke and Surles sides of the family.

A proud graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Class of 1985, Reggie enlisted in the United States Navy immediately following graduation. During his distinguished 17-year military career, he completed several European tours and faithfully served during the Persian Gulf War.

Reggie possessed a lifelong love for music. Beginning in church at an early age, he played the drums, bass guitar, and saxophone and later shared his musical gifts with school bands, local groups, and gospel quartets throughout Michigan’s Tri-City area.

Reggie will be remembered for his generous heart, love for family, infectious laughter, and willingness to help others. He enjoyed family gatherings, tacos, University of Michigan athletics, and especially children, proudly embracing the titles of “Uncle Reggie” and “Cousin Reggie.” Whether giving someone a ride, babysitting, sharing a meal, or simply showing up when needed, Reggie lived a life of service and love.

Reggie leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Adriane Clarke; beloved children, Naia Clarke and Nolan Clarke; cherished granddaughter, Amia; loving mother, Louise Clarke; brother, John Clarke III; sister, Rhonda Clarke; aunts, Janie Cork, Mertas (Jerome) Cunningham, Susie Clarke-Gibson, Grady (Bobby) Liddell, Sue McDole, Stephanie Surles and Eunice Clarke-Williamson; uncles, Timothy (Lydia) Clarke, Chester (Arlonia) Surles Jr., Keith (Rosemary) Surles, Leon Surles, Marvin Surles and Michael Surles; nieces, Dee, Morgan, Gabrielle, and Bryonna; nephew, Anwar; great-niece, Sage; Mother-in-law, Lillian Herron; sister-in-law, Kaye Herron-Fleary, and brother-in-law, Patrick Herron; numerous cousins from the Clarke and Surles families; lifelong friends including, the Lee family, Arthur Hill High School Class of 1985, Felicia Jones, Frank Perryman, the entire BAE Shipyard crew; as well as numerous close friends throughout the Hampton Roads area and many fellow Naval shipmates.

Reggie was preceded in death by his father, John D. Clarke Jr.; grandparents, John D. Clarke Sr., Betty Clarke, Chester Surles Sr., and Bernice Surles; father-in-law, Arthur Herron; aunt, Traci Surles-Young; uncle, Shannon Surles; and cousin, Miles Gibson.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Reggie’s legacy of faith, service, music, generosity, laughter, and love will forever live in the hearts of those blessed to know him.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”— Matthew 25:23 (KJV)