Dr. William B. Clark Jr., 88, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Dr. Clark was born in Buckingham County and graduated from high school in 1945.

He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine until 1947 when he enrolled in Centre College in Danville, KY. Transferring to Virginia Tech, he received his Bachelor of Science in 1951, and then his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in 1954, graduating with honors. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp and served as captain until 1958. In 1962, he built Allied Animal Hospital and practiced there until 1972 when he built Three Chopt Animal Clinic, where he practiced for the next 30 years. Throughout his career, he was an acknowledged leader in veterinary medicine. He was instrumental in changing the Richmond SPCA into a no-kill, world-class organization and was on the board there for many years. He was a driving force in the development of the Richmond Animal League and a charter principal of both the Veterinary Emergency Center on Cary Street and the Holiday Barn Pet Resort.

Dr. Clark was an avid motorcycle rider and rode throughout the US, with predictable stops in Las Vegas. He was quick to applaud and slow to disparage. He chose to see humor in almost everything.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean Bennett Clark; two daughters, Diane Clark of Charlottesville and Tish Eaton of Tucson, AZ; two sisters, Ann Howe of Raleigh, NC and Martha Bell of Richmond; loyal friend, Sue Palmer; and lifelong friend, Robert Anderson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 at Bliley’s – Central, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230. Reception to follow.

Flowers may be sent or please send a donation to the Robin Starr SPCA or your local animal shelter.

Bliley’s – Central, Richmond, is in charge of arrangements. www.blileys.com