Alfred Jerome "Jerry" Clark, age 69, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 8:45 AM, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with his health. Just as he lived his life, Jerry fought until the very final inning with unwavering commitment, dedication, and heart.

Jerry was born on September 12, 1956, to the late Preston Hobbs Clarke and Oleta Jeanette Reynolds Clark. He was a man defined by his integrity, selflessness, and the profound respect he extended to everyone he encountered.

To know Jerry was to know a truly great man—a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving son, and a fiercely loyal friend.

For more than four decades, Jerry’s second home was the softball field. An avid fan, player, and coach, his presence loomed large across the Hampton Roads area. He left his mark on iconic local fields like Monogram Park, Peanut Park, and JFK, spanning a legendary career as a player and coach. Jerry was proudly affiliated with teams such as the Suffolk Guzzlers, Suffolk Land and Timber, and R&R Painting. He was perhaps best known for his tournament team, the Bad Boyz, which competed across various Men’s D/E leagues and commissioners, though his passion also led him to successfully coach numerous Coed and Women’s teams throughout the region.

Jerry was highly competitive and deeply dedicated, but his true legacy lies in the community he built. He won championships, but more importantly, he won the hearts of those he led. Jerry was revered for always giving people a chance to play, lifting others up, and forging lifelong friendships in the dugout. His impact on the local softball community is permanent and will never be forgotten.

The final two years of his journey were spent in Jacksonville, Florida, alongside his wife and stepdaughter. While the last handful of years brought heavy health challenges that were at times frustrating, sad, and overwhelming, Jerry never gave up. He faced every obstacle with the same grit and determination he showed on the field.

Jerry was reunited in heaven with his father, Preston (who passed away on October 28, 2005, at age 78), and his mother, Oleta (who passed away on February 16, 2016, at age 82).

His memory and legacy will be carried on by his loving family: his wife, Sheila Clark of Suffolk, VA; his stepdaughter, Jessica White of Suffolk, VA; his only child, Jeremy Witt of Suffolk, VA; and his daughter-in-law, Melissa Witt of Norfolk, VA.

He also leaves behind a vast community of friends, players, and teammates who became family over the years.

"For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." — 2 Corinthians 5:1

Details regarding a memorial service and celebration of Jerry’s life will be shared by the family at a later date, where friends and teammates will be invited to share memories and honor a life incredibly well-lived.

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