CLARK GASTON has died..former GHS, CLEMSON, ACC Ref &
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All-Time Great [95005]
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CLARK GASTON has died..former GHS, CLEMSON, ACC Ref &
Mar 16, 2014, 8:03 PM
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Attorney in Greenville. I met him as a new mid-semester transfer student in Fall of 1958..from Charlotte's Myers Park High to Greenville's High.
I weighed 125 lbs, full of pep & pimples..and scared to death when I walked into the homeroom class that had already started. The teacher blandly told me to take a seat in the back..and I sat down to the biggest student I'd ever seen (until seeing William The Fridge Perry 25 years later).
Clark smiled at me, asked my name and stated that the classes would be headed down to the auditorium in a few minutes to elect beauty queens for the school annual. He told me the girl I should (or better) vote for..and I did. She won since she was very pretty..and I found out later that day that she was his GF (Girl Friend).
Clark was a great athlete at GHS..especially on O line for the RED RAIDERS..and got a scholly to Clemson under Frank Howard..and played very well for the Tigers.
He went on to law school (?; probably USC) and became a good attorney in Greenville, married with two daughters..and later in his 50's (I suppose) he was an ACC football ref that you would see on the tube a lot.
Clark has been ill often over the last couple years..in and out of hospitals, nursing homes or CaringBridge Hospice Care..and finally passed away Saturday March 16.
My last email to him last week via CaringBridge.org was a comedic one..in that I had learned he was well enough to have a steak, french fries, hot dogs, pizza & ice cream (not all at once I assumed)..so I suggested that he might be asking for gastric fun now but would be sorry later..but good for him!
I always signed out..GoTiGERS! and hoped his Family read him my emails from this site.
If you'd like to Google Clark Gaston's bio..OR even sign in at CaringBridge.org to offer your sympathy..I think his Family would be honored by Clemson's love for one of its own & Football greats.
Thank You..and thank You Clark for being a special Clemson Man til the end. RIP Gentle Giant for the Battle is over and won.
GoTiGERS!
Message was edited by: lightbulbbill®
Message was edited by: lightbulbbill®
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Heisman Winner [105575]
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That was a good read Bill, prayers for that Clemson man and
Mar 16, 2014, 8:09 PM
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his family
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Team Captain [494]
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Re: CLARK GASTON has died..former GHS, CLEMSON, ACC Ref &
Mar 16, 2014, 8:11 PM
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Thanks for sharing the story. Sorry for the loss.
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Orange Blooded [3258]
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He came back to GHS and worked some scrimmages and
Mar 16, 2014, 8:23 PM
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always looked up to him as he had the right blood line of GHS and CU! Wonderful fellow and I think I remember him at Greenville TD Club back when it met at Vince Perone's. Good times!
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All-Conference [415]
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Re: CLARK GASTON has died..former GHS, CLEMSON, ACC Ref &
Mar 16, 2014, 8:51 PM
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He was law partners with my Dad for awhile in Greenville. Sorry to hear the news. My Dad has lots of good Clark stories, and yeah, he was a big dude.
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All-Time Great [95005]
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Pushing this post up again to honor Clark. No points please!
Mar 16, 2014, 10:13 PM
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GoTiGERS!
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All-In [35206]
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Sorry to hear he passed
Mar 16, 2014, 10:17 PM
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Great story though. Cool read.
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CU Guru [1445]
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Re: CLARK GASTON has died..former GHS, CLEMSON, ACC Ref &
Mar 16, 2014, 10:29 PM
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I saw Clark about six months ago when my mom was in Natl Health Care in Mauldin where Clark was. Believe he had been there for a long time. RIP.
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All-Time Great [95005]
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Sending up again! I know most of you youngins don't know who
Mar 17, 2014, 10:14 AM
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Clark Gaston was..or maybe even don't care..but look him up on Wilkie or on some Clemson site..or ask an older fan.
Clark was one of those big ole tough Bama-like linemen that Frank Howard loved..and Clark was a good one.
Went on to become an fine Attorney..and in his 50's added to his plate by becoming a professional ACC football ref who called them like he saw them no matter what.
Thanks Clark for being a Clemson Man to the end..still loving & talking about his Tigers in his last week.
GoTiGERS!
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Athletic Dir [1197]
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Re: CLARK GASTON has died..former GHS, CLEMSON, ACC Ref &
Mar 17, 2014, 10:27 AM
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Clark did the closing on our house back in 1989 and then again on a later refi. I could always call him for good advice.. on anything. He never turned down a call or failed to return one.
The good Lord will make sure he has 50yd line seats. May He also grant the family peace.
What a great man. RIP...
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Replies: 9
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