Harold Douglas “Doug” Slark, Sr., 77, of Portsmouth, also known as “Snake” to his railroad friends, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth. He was the son of the late Lucille Adkins Hughes and William Henry Slark.
Doug was a proud Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and member of the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion. He did two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Rifle Marksman Badge for his service.
He retired as a foreman from Norfolk & Southern after 27 years of service. Doug enjoyed his job, loved being a Marine, and was a charter member of the former Tim Bauer Marine Corps League. He was a big wrestling fan and an excellent bowler, having bowled in the Saturday Night League at Sunset Lanes.
Surviving is his wife of 38 years, Mary Frances Miller McGlone Slark. The couple were married on October 11, 1985, in Russell, KY. Also surviving is his son, Harold Douglas Slark, Jr. of Portsmouth; two daughters, Marian Machell “Shelly” (Chris) Davenport of Chapmansboro, TN and Dustie Dawn King of Portsmouth; two sisters, Sara Malone of Wakefield and Lola VanDyke of West Portsmouth; a sister-in-law, Pearl Slark of New Boston; six grandchildren, Ashley Davenport, Zachary (Brooke) Osborne, Donovan Slark, Taryne Slark, Ashen Ray (Haley) Shepherd and Isabel Messer; five great-grandchildren, Alden, Jaxon, Juniper, Kaylee and Landon; Robbie Elder, his good friend who was like a son; and a special friend and caregiver, Linda Fyffe.
In addition to his parents, Doug was also preceded in death by his brother, David Slark; and a grandson, Dillon Osborne.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens with the James Dickey American Legion Post #23 Honor Guard providing military rites.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 to 8 P.M. and from 10 A.M. until the service hour on Wednesday.
The flag of the U.S. Marine Corps will fly at the funeral home in honor of Mr. Slark’s service to our country.