Ambrose Frail Clarke

On January 9th, 2026, Ambrose Frail Clarke, 34, passed peacefully and suddenly in his hometown of Gerton, NC.

Ambrose was born on May 16th, 1991. A gentle soul, he was beloved by animals and babies, and he loved them in return. His nephews will remember his big smile and bushy beard, his silly faces bringing some of their first smiles and giggles, him playing with them on the floor, offering a worn hat to soothe aching gums, and always being up for a game of tag or war.

Growing up on a farm in Gerton with his three brothers and two sisters, his life was full of love, adventure, and sometimes chaos. Ambrose spent time studying at both Carolina Day School and Christ School. He loved yearly trips to Pawley’s Island, SC, and other family vacations – to Peru, skiing, an RV road trip around the American West, a cruise to the Caribbean, time in Maine – and many more adventures, big and small. His family will remember his laugh, his generosity of spirit, his sweet curiosity, and many years of sibling inside jokes.

In his adult life, Ambrose found contentment in cooking and learning new recipes, listening to music, expressing his creativity through drawing (even one of his own tattoos!), and caring for his family’s horses and dogs. He was known to spend time immersed in awe of the beautiful nature of Western NC, often sharing photos of the stars, birds, ice, snow, or other wonders. Time at his family’s property in Tuckaseegee, NC, was a highlight. He loved mountain air and a beer beside the campfire. He could be found cruising Gerton and Fairview in his Jeep, and was a great patron of the Fairview food trucks. He was a wonderful friend and support to his mother. His sweet spirit and kind soul shone through in everything he did.

He is survived by his parents, siblings, nephews and friends who will miss him greatly.

A celebration of his life now will be held on Friday, January 30th, at 5:30 p.m. at Smith Farms in Fairview, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ambrose’s name to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.