Servant Leader

Remembering Command Sgt. Maj. William Clark

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Clark Jr., senior enlisted advisor to the California adjutant general, discusses Guard-specific concerns with an audience of about 100 California Army National Guard Soldiers in Sacramento, Calif., Oct. 19, 2014. (DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan)

Command Sgt. Maj. William Clark Jr., State Senior Enlisted Advisor for the California National Guard, presents a coin to Staff Sgt. Micaelah Aleman, Airman and NCO council chairman, during his visit to the 144th Fighter Wing Feb. 7. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

Command Sgt. Maj. William Clark Jr., State Senior Enlisted Advisor for the California National Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. Linda Brown, 144th Fighter Wing Command Chief,(center) pose with members of the Airman and NCO council, during Clark's visit to the 144th Fighter Wing Feb. 7. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

Story by Sgt. Elizabeth Buck
California Military Department Public Affairs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On September 20, 2025, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Clark Jr. died at his home in Seaside, Calif., after battling frontotemporal dementia. He was 70 years old.

Born in South Carolina, he started his 43-year military career in the Army in 1974. In 2008, he became the senior enlisted advisor to the adjutant general of the California National Guard. He went on to serve under three adjutants general.

He was known as a compassionate leader and mentor to many including current senior leaders.

Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Aller, the senior enlisted noncommissioned officer in charge of the California Military Department’s youth and community programs, first met Clark while a Staff Sgt., then later served as his enlisted aide.

“Much of who I am as a senior enlisted leader today; my approach to mentorship, my belief in accessibility, and my commitment to developing others, comes directly from his influence,” said Aller.

He described Clark as approachable, patient and a good listener. Clark’s trademark was calling everyone he met ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ before their last name as a way of breaking down barriers.

Aller's sentiments were echoed by U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. William Wade, son of former adjutant general Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II. Wade described Clark as a gentle giant and a mentor to him as he progressed in his military career.

“He was firm but fair, upheld the standard and lived it himself, and cared deeply for his Soldiers and their families,” said Wade.

Even after his retirement, Clark remained engaged with the veteran community through the California Enlisted Association of the National Guard (CAL EANGUS) and, as a cyclist, Ride 2 Recovery (now Project Hero). Through these organizations and his time in the military, he leaves behind a legacy of lifelong service.

He is survived by his children, Angela and Eric, and his ex-wife Laurie.

A memorial was held at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, Calif. on Oct. 27th, 2025.