‘Honorable, trustworthy’: City leaders mourn former Augusta commissioner
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Former Augusta Commission member John Clarke has died.
Commissioner Catherine Smith-Rice said Clarke, well into his 70s, had been on life at Doctors Hospital after collapsing around the middle of last week.
He died Wednesday night of respiratory failure.
Smith-Rice called him her dearest former colleague and friend.
“Honorable. Trustworthy. Integrity. A man full of integrity. And John had a lot of character,” she said Thursday.
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Commissioners say Clarke was treated for an illness over the holidays, but appeared to recover.
While on the commission from 2018 to 2022 and even afterward, Clarke was always known for speaking his mind.
When others in the city government had no comment, Clarke always had something to say.
Commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle said: “He didn’t hold anything back. He spoke what he felt, which that was John.”
After leaving the commission, he remained actively interested in city government, even attending a public hearing of the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission just days before he collapsed.
After his time in city government, he continued writing an online opinion column where he offered his views on the commission’s actions – and inactions – as well as other matters.
He was also active on Facebook.
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He was a familiar face to so many.
Commissioner Don Clark said: “He was a true servant leader. You just got so used to always seeing him on that front row in the meetings.”
Guilfoyle said: “When I first met him, it’s probably about 14 years ago. He’s coming to the commission, and he’ll come dressed up in a suit and he’ll take notes.”
Born in Augusta, he had a diverse career.
He served in the Army and at various times, worked as an environmental professional and a truck driver, and was even a band leader.
As a commissioner and a candidate, he was an advocate of responsible government and always wanted to keep Augusta growing as a community.
If there’s one thing about Clarke, Smith-Rice says, “He loved Augusta-Richmond County. He served, and as he would tell me, ‘Catherine, you are a constituent’s commissioner.’ Back to him. So was John. He was also a constituent’s commissioner.”
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Clarke was a commissioner serving Super District 10, which encomes commission districts 3, 6, 7 and 8 in south and west Augusta.
The seat was formerly held by Smith-Rice’s father, Grady Smith, and Clarke took office in 2018 after Smith died. He was defeated by Guilfoyle in 2022.
“He dubbed us Poncho and Lefty. I was Lefty, and he was Poncho. We always had a good time. We talked about family, friends and politics. He and my dad were about a year apart, so they were from the same era, and they reminded me a lot of each other. They were both witty, had that sense of humor,” said Smith-Rice.
Soon after the death was announced to city officials at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, local officials and agencies offered their condolences.
“On behalf of the Augusta, Georgia Government, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Commissioner Clarke dedicated his time and service to the residents of Augusta, Georgia with unwavering commitment and ion. His contributions to this governing body and the residents of Augusta have left a lasting impact on our city, and his legacy will continue to shape our future,” city Tamake Allen said in announcing the death.
“During this difficult time, we our community in honoring his memory and reflecting on his invaluable service,” she write. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as we share in their grief and remembrance.”
The Richmond County Marshal’s Office said in a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the ing of former Augusta Commissioner John Clarke. A true ally to public safety, John was a steadfast er of law enforcement and a dedicated advocate for our community. His leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making Augusta a better place will not be forgotten. John was not only a friend to many but also a voice for the people, always standing up for what was right. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Commissioner Clarke.”
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