Birth date: Aug 12, 1937 Death date: Apr 25, 2020
Clark Delano Readling, age 82, of Cornelius, died peacefully on April 25, 2020 in Charlotte after a bout with pancreatic cancer. A lifelong resident of Cornelius, NC, Clark was born on August 12, 1937 to Madison Iwan “Skinner” Re Read Obituary
CAROLYN--JUST FOUND THIS...SOOO SORRY YOU LOST CLARK. WE -KEN AND WILDA SMITH-NASHVILLE, TN- WERE A PAIR WHO CAME TO PE FUNCTION IN THE 70S. YOU AND CLARK WERE-so very sweet and kind to both of us. Never forgot that. i want ti tell you--I lost Ken in Sept. 2017 (strokes). You two were very special and we never forgot you. I send love and prayers. Wilda Smith in Tennessee.
One of the greatest men I knew and was honored to be a friend to Clark Readling. God speed my friend.
My dear, dear friend. I will miss you more than you will ever know.
I met Clark in 1978 when I came to Charlotte to work in the City’s Engineering Department. I was fortunate to work with him the next 20 years until is retirement in 1998. Those years saw immense growth in the City of Charlotte, and therefore in the responsibility of the Engineering Department. Clark was the right man at the right time for the job of leading that growth in professional capability. Others on this Wall have articulated well the characteristics and character that Clark brought to the organization. I will simply add that he had a wonderful ability to mentor those in the organization and bring out their best and support them with his best. He applied that same interest and support to everyone as an individual, whether it be a work relationship or a friendship.
Lisa and I send heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and all the family.
Jim and LIsa Schumacher
50 years ago Clark had just been appointed the new City Engineer for the City of Charlotte and I stumbled into a new job as an entry level engineering technician in his department. I could not realize it at the time but I had just won the lottery of good luck that would reward me for the rest of my life. Clark and his team would provide the opportunity for folks like myself to gain engineering experience, challenge ourselves and share our knowledge with others. Because I chose to move on to another state in early 80's Clark's positive influence would follow me and has been shared for another 40 years. Through some magic Clark attracted some of the most diverse talents and nicest people I have ever encountered. All of us were extremely lucky to have landed under Clark's leadership. Not only was he a great engineer and manager, he was a good friend and mentor.
Clark taught us to work hard, take risks, be aggressive and not to forget to smell the roses along the way.
Our prayers are with Clark's family and thanks to them for sharing you over the years.
Clark was always trying to make our city work force better at what we did by building up our confidence in whatever department we worked. He could call everyone he met a friend of his. I have known him since the early 70's when I worked in the old Public Works Department and CDOT. He always smiled and spoke to me even when he was in a hurry going down the hall to an important meeting. He always had time for everyone. Since I had worked part-time for several departments after my retirement, he asked me one day when I was going to come work for him. He always had a way to make you feel good and important. I will surely miss Clark and his smile. He was a true gentleman. My prayers are with Carolyn and his family.
I had the privilege of working for the Engineering Department under Clark’s leadership for seventeen years. I quickly learned to admire his knowledge, professionalism and dedication as a public servant and appreciate his leadership qualities and great sense of humor. As we go through life, we meet a few people who stand out above the rest and realize that our life is better for having known that person. Clark was one one of those special individuals. He will truly be missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Charles Smyre
From everyone at STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates, our heartfelt thoughts are with the family. We share many fond memories of doing business with the City of Charlotte Engineering Department under Clark’s steady leadership. He was a man of great integrity and intellect. Rest In Peace, a life very well led.
Clark Readling was an inspiration to many in the Public Works field and beyond, and I am glad that I was among them. He was always professional, very encouraging and his positive attitude was contagious. He was a great mentor in the APWA and was always willing to share his wisdom. I was also inspired by his influence on his sons, Joe and Keith, as I had the opportunity to work with them during my public works career at High Point. These apples did not fall far from the tree.
Condolences to the family for your loss. May you count your blessings, for having such a fine man in your lives and may God bless you with peace and strength through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Chris Thompson
The world needs more people like Clark Readling: professional, caring, concerned, focused, talented, friendly, funny, charitable, dedicated and full of life. Clark was a model for us all to follow and we his friends and fellow workers are enriched for having known him. Clark left a legacy that will impact Charlotte for years to come in its roads, bridges, major public facilities and city government. He greatest legacy however was the example he set of being a brilliant engineer, manager, craftsman, adventurer, father, family man and just an honest and decent person. We are all enriched and blessed for having known Clark Delano Readling. Rest my friend,
Bill Guerrant
