MOUNT HOLLY, N.C.—Thomas Henkel Lark, 57, of Mount Holly, North Carolina, died September 7, 2026.

Born in Charlotte on September 12, 1968, Thomas was the son of Dale Edson Hinkle and Ramona Ballard Hinkle. He grew up in Lincolnton, North Carolina, graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1986, and attended North Carolina State University.

Mr. Lark enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism spanning more than 26 years, including work at The Anson Record, The Belmont Banner, Gaston Lifestyles Magazine, and The Lincoln Herald, in multiple positions as reporter, writer, and editor.  He was well known throughout the area for his journalism and received numerous local awards recognizing his excellence in reporting over the years.

In addition to being a gifted journalist and writer, Mr. Lark was an accomplished thespian who devoted many years during the 1980s and 1990s to Little Theatre and community theatre. Among his memorable performances was his portrayal of the renowned Christian writer C.S. Lewis in Shadowlands at Belmont Abbey College. He also performed leading roles in numerous Little Theatre productions, including The Crucible, The Elephant Man, Scrooge, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Miracle on 34th Street.

Mr. Lark was also an avid cyclist who participated in numerous cycling activities throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He received awards for his cycling accomplishments and was known for riding up and down Mount Mitchell in the 1980s with a group of professional cyclists.

His Catholic faith and church community were an important part of his life. For 23 years, Mr. Lark was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Mount Holly, where he became well known for his theatrical portrayals of the celebrated Christian writer G.K. Chesterton, as well as Padre Pio and St. Francis, during church talent shows over the years. He loved his church family and was a dedicated parishioner. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society.

Mr. Lark was preceded in death by his parents, Dale Edson Hinkle and Ramona Ballard Hinkle.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Lark of Mount Holly; his sister, Amy Puckett and her husband, Robert, of Raleigh; his nephew, Karl August Puckett of Raleigh; his brother-in-law, Andrew Sohn, along with his nieces, Olivia and Grace, and nephew, Morgan, all of San Francisco; his aunts, Pat Stamey and Carolyn Henkle, both of Lincolnton; and numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Mount Holly on Saturday, September 19, from12:00 to 12:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at the church at 1:00 p.m., with burial afterward at Asbury Methodist Church, 3097 Asbury Church Rd., Lincolnton, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Thomas consider helping his wife, Julie, as she faces the difficult days and months ahead. Donations may be made to Julie Lark's fundraiser CLICK HERE

Memorial contributions may also be made to: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Road, Mount Holly, NC 28120; 704-827-8676