Rev. Leon 'Sonny' Clark, Longtime Santa Ana Pastor and Orange County Faith Leader, Dies at 72

Rev. Leon William 'Sonny' Clark, a longtime Southern California pastor and community advocate, died on Sept. 9 at the age of 72, according to reporting by Black Press USA. For more than two decades, Clark led New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana, leaving a lasting impact through ministry, civic service, and pastoral counseling. Born Oct. 2, 1953, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark served in the U.S. Navy before dedicating his career to faith and community leadership, Black Press USA reported.

His religious journey in Southern California began in 1978 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena. After acknowledging his call to ministry in 1980, he delivered his first sermon and went on to pastor and serve multiple regional congregations over the following years. Clark served at Second Baptist Church in Riverside, Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rubidoux, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, and Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda before being called to lead New Spirit Baptist Church in November 2003.

According to Black Press USA, his work in Santa Ana extended beyond the pulpit to include extensive mentoring, counseling, and programs focused on strengthening Orange County's African American community. In addition to his pastoral duties, Clark played an active role in local civic leadership and historic preservation efforts. Black Press USA reported that Clark served on the Orange County Heritage Council, where he helped organize the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival.

He also served on the Interfaith Committee, the Orange County Transit Authority, and as president of the Orange County Ministers Conference. His public service earned numerous honors throughout his life. In 2024, the City of Santa Ana formally recognized Clark for his contributions to the community. He was also honored with the Orange County Southern Baptist Association Hall of Faith Award and was previously named Pastor of the Year by the Orange County Heritage Council, according to Black Press USA reporting.

Throughout his ministry, Clark often shared a personal guiding motto: 'Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.' Black Press USA reported that Clark is survived by his wife, Andrea Joyles Clark; six children, Shawn Williams, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Kyla Coward, Joshua Clark, Marissa Clark, and Ashley Clark; as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the New Spirit Baptist Church congregation. Memorial services include an Oct. 1 wake at New Spirit Baptist Church, an Oct. 2 Celebration of Life at Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, and burial on Oct. 5 at Riverside National Cemetery.