Weldon H. Clark, Jr., 75, a member of the 1977 National Rifle Association reform leadership and later a member of the NRA board for 13 years, as well as a political activist for firearms civil rights nationally and in South Carolina, Maryland and other states, passed away in hospital of pneumonia on March 30.
Born in Augusta, GA, Clark earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, graduating with high honors. During his professional career, he was a gear and bearing expert for Black and Decker for more than 25 years, later working for Ford New Holland, designing gears for tractors, then as chief design engineer for Columbia Gear in MN. He retired from Ryobi Motor Products, now OWT Industries, in 2007, but continued to work in the field of mechanical engineering, seeking to improve on his programs for rotary impact tools, graciously offered them back at no charge.
He was an extremely effective political activist with John Pepper (creator of the Pepper-Popper) in Maryland politics when they teamed up to block anti-rights legislation, defeat prohibitionist politicians, and elect supporters of liberty to the state legislature.
When he relocated to South Carolina, he naturally dove into local politics, displaying his strong beliefs in Democracy, open and participative government, standing fast to American traditions and principles.
Clark also served as vice chair of the Pickens County Planning Commission, as a member of the Jail Commission, and as former president, treasurer, and editor of the Pickens County Taxpayers Association.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Luz, a brother Herbert, stepsisters Suzanne Beusse and Carol Scarborough, and step brother F. Douglas Davant. Funeral services were held in Augusta, GA.
