William Sanford Clark II

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022 William Sanford Clark II, of Alexandria, Virginia passed away peacefully. Beloved husband of Heather Clark; devoted father to Liam and Heleana. Will was preceded in death by his father William Sanford Clark. He is survived by his loving family; mother Scarlet Clark, brother Andrew, sister in law Alta, nieces Madeline, Zaya, nephew Daniel. He also leaves behind many cousins and numerous wonderful friends. Will was born on March 3, 1971, in Fairfax, VA. He grew up in Stafford with his brother Andrew. Will attended North Stafford High, where he made lifelong friendships. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at George Mason University and later obtained a Masters Degree at Catholic University. Will began his professional career at SAIC, where he and Heather met. Will wanted to be a soldier, but due to hearing limitations could not pursue a traditional military career path. He found a career with the Department of Defense, in the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to pursue his commitment to the United States of America. Will took great pride in his work, and professional accomplishments. He volunteered for two overseas deployments during his career. His first deployment in 2007, was as the Team Lead for the Combined Intelligence Operations Center in Baghdad, Iraq were Will led team of 7 analysts produce analytic reports in support of forward deployed multinational forces. Will worked extremely long hours in a combat zone which routinely received indirect fire from enemy combatants of the United States Government. His second deployment, in 2012, was for the Consolidated Stability and Operations Center in Kabul, Afghanistan, International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF). Will was the Senior Intelligence Analyst responsible for publication of Consolidated Stability Operations Center socio-cultural reports forward deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. He led a team of 30 civilian, military, and contractors in the development of complex studies and analysis in order to support the war-fighting soldiers of ISAF. Will worked as the Branch Chief Defense Industries Division, Defense Resources and Infrastructure Office (DRI) over a period of four years to 2018. In 2018, Will worked as the Intelligence Briefer to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities (SPC); the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Strategy and Force Development; and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans and Posture Executive Support Office (ESO). In this role Will provided exceptional intelligence support to the entire Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD-P) community on critical U.S. strategic threats and opportunities. The timely, tailored intelligence support Will provided was exemplary and directly supported policy development. Most recently Will was the Senior Intelligence Officer (SIO), Transnational Organized Crime and Threat Finance Division Americas and Transregional Threats Center (ATTC). He was preparing to return to the ESO, when he passed. Around his accomplished career, Will was a devoted husband and father. He coached tee-ball, soccer, was the Cub Scout Den Leader, and a constant in family activities. Early morning trips to the nearby convenience store for milk, before his 0100 shift at the ESO, were gifts he often gave to his family who will miss him terribly. Will’s natural easy going nature made him a beloved fixture in both his personal and professional life. Even a lung cancer diagnose could not extinguish his kind nature, drive or concern for others. As his illness progressed, when asked how he was, or if he needed anything he consistently stated “I’m good”. Will was surrounded by loved ones in his final days, as he passed peacefully to his next assignment. The family takes comfort and strength through their faith. Starting in 2017 the family converted to Catholicism, with Will and Heather, officially coming into the church at the 2019 Easter Vigil. They have enjoyed a deepening of faith and spiritual growth through their beloved St. Louis parish. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to William's children's college funds. Contribution checks can be sent directly their 529 plan provider by mail at: Edward Jones 600 Pennsylvania Ave S.E. Suite 330 Washington, DC 20003-4316 Please make payment out to "Edward Jones FBO Liam and Heleana Clark 529"

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William Sanford Clark II

March 3, 1971 - August 9, 2022