Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 9, 1993 TAG: 9310090197
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: DALEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Clarkson, 74, of Daleville, served as president and chief executive officer of the First National Bank - now owned by NationsBank - from 1961 until his retirement more than a decade ago.
Active in many community organizations, including a stint as president of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, Clarkson was known by many as a founder of the county's Republican Party Ham Dinner, an annual event held since 1966 and attended by numerous local and state political candidates.
Clarkson was to be honored at this year's dinner tonight by the Botetourt Women's Republican Committee as the county's "Outstanding Republican of the Year," according to H.T. Grindstaff, Botetourt GOP vice chairman.
"We were going to videotape the award presentation at his house and then show it to the people at the ham dinner," Grindstaff said. "The idea for the dinner was his, 27 years ago."
Grindstaff, who knew Clarkson since his move to Botetourt County in the early '60s, said he will announce the award and the circumstances during tonight's dinner at Lord Botetourt High School.
A native of Monroe County, W.Va., Clarkson began his banking career in 1939 as an assistant cashier at the First National Bank of New Castle. He worked as a cashier at the Carroll County Bank in Hillsville before moving to Troutville as vice president and cashier of the First National Bank in 1958.
Clarkson served four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Clarkson was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel. He is survived by a son and a daughter. Arrangements are being handled by Oakey's North Chapel.
by CNB