William "Sonny" H. Clarke, Jr.

William "Sonny" H. Clarke, Jr., fourth generation Nogales cattle rancher, passed away peacefully at his home in the pre-dawn hours of May 3, 2014.  Born on April 13, 1930, he had happily celebrated his 84th birthday among family and friends.  He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Virginia; daughters, Susan (Heriberto) Clarke Morales and Joni (Manuel Ortiz) Clarke; son, Steven (Isabel) Clarke, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his son, William "Willie" Clarke III, his parents, William Clarke and Maria Luisa Clarke as well as his two sisters, Dorothy Davis and Sylvia Fugere, both passing in January of this year."Tata", as he was called by the second generation of local baseball players he coached, lived his life fully, confronting every challenge with commitment and dedication, strenuously fighting whatever battle with fortitude.  He expressed only what he believed to be true, never coloring the facts to fit another's perceptions, remaining true to who he was without need of anyone's approval or permission.  He happily gave of himself in everything he did with affectionate care.  It was this overwhelming sincerity that granted him the grace of lifelong friendships, the dedicated and loving loyalty of his famly and the everlasting memories that will remain in the hearts of the countless many who knew him.  The sounds of pounding hooves, the bawling of the calf, cooing of the mourning dove, the shriek of the hawk will always bring forth the shadowed sound of Sonny's laughter among the canyon breezes on the ranch he loved as much as those of his family who preceded him as well as the generations who are blessed to follow.  He rests tenderly in our hearts and remains firmly in our collective memory as a great man.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 7th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Rosary 7:00 p.m. at Martinez Funeral Chapels.  Mass will be Thursday, May 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  There will be a Reception following Mass at the VFW, 653 N. Grand Ave., Nogales, AZ.