Remembering Clark Sawyer

We are saddened to share the passing of Clark J. Sawyer. Over the years, Clark became much more than someone we worked with—he became part of our Community Foundation family. He generously shared his time, talent, and resources to help strengthen our organization, and his willingness to lend a hand whenever needed never went unnoticed. He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and all who knew and loved him.

Clark went to be in the loving arms of Jesus on July 23, 2026. A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, he attended E.A. Laney High School and Cape Fear Community College before making the Outer Banks his home. After working for Johns Brothers Security, Clark founded Checkpoint Security, where he approached every aspect of his work with passion, dedication, and integrity. He took great pride in the relationships he built throughout his career and in serving the community he loved.

Clark loved the Lord and was deeply rooted in his faith. He cherished his church family at Calvary Chapel, where he found fellowship, encouragement, and a place to grow in his relationship with God. Outside of work, Clark found joy in fishing, tennis, and spending time with those he loved. An avid fisherman and enthusiastic tennis player, he treasured both the outdoors and the friendships he made along the way. To Knox, Palmer, Sawyer, Claire, and Caroline, he was simply the best “Uncle Clark.”

Clark is survived by his parents, Rodney Sawyer (wife Sharon) and Layne Clark (husband Monty); his sisters, Parker Whitley (husband Matt) and Daylon Mathews (husband Kyle); his grandmother, Charlotte Elliott; his nieces and nephew; and a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Clark’s life will be held Wednesday, July 29, at 3:00 p.m. at Kitty Hawk Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, Clark’s family requests that memorial donations be made to the Clark J. Sawyer Children’s Fund at the Outer Banks Community Foundation. Through this fund, Clark’s legacy of generosity, compassion, and service to others will continue by supporting local children and families for years to come.