Charlie Wayne Clark

Charlie Wayne Clark, 87, of Bruce, Mississippi, left this earthly home for his eternal home in heaven, October 19 2016. Christian, lover of family, and friend to so many, he was a loved and respected pillar in his Pleasant Grove community, Calhoun county, and far beyond.

He was the firstborn to Henry and Johnnie Jewell Busby Clark and grew up in north Calhoun County, MS, area not far from Sarepta. Growing up, he helped his father farm.  He attended Sarepta School and enjoyed gathering and sharing pictures and other historical school memorabilia with classmates through the years.  He was a gifted story teller with a great memory and shared many stories of his childhood years.

He served in the Army from 1950 –1952, active duty during the Korean Conflict, with the 92 ^nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion as Field Wire Foreman and was decorated with the Korean Service Medal. Throughout his life he remained patriotic, an active citizen, prayed for his country, and preserved its history through lifetime membership in the Calhoun County VFW Post 5571.

On October 31, 1952, he married the love of his life, Mary Alice Thomas, and they were blessed with two daughters, Teresa and Renee, who he loved with all his heart.

As a young adult he committed his life to God and served His Lord faithfully all his days. He united with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Bruce, MS.  He served as Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Church Treasurer. Maintenance and upkeep of the church building and grounds was one of the many ways he served his Lord.  He loved ‘Pleasant Agers’ and special singings.  He was a godly man of strong convictions and strived to live out his faith in God as his legacy.  He also loved Concord Baptist Church and encouraged her growth with his prayers, time, expertise, and resources.

Early in his life his talent for working with wood and building things became apparent. He could see the plans from start to finish in his mind and that gift served him well when entering the commercial construction industry.  He was quickly promoted to Construction Superintendent and entrusted with projects throughout the mid south.

He loved taking care of his farm and managing it to protect the land and encourage wildlife. He enjoyed gardening, raising cows, hunting, raising beagles, fishing, hosting family 4 ^th of July BBQs, playing the guitar at family sing-alongs  or just listening as his brother and other family and friends made music.  He loved his back porch and visitors would often catch him there.  He had a quick grasp of computer technology and used it in many ways.  He loved driving his Ranger around his farm with his wife and Mac, their beloved pet.  He took pride in his appearance and wore his hats and boots like a country gentleman.  Being involved in his family’s endeavors brought joy to his heart as he supported them in every aspect of their lives.

He served his community as EMT and later became Director of the Calhoun County Ambulance Service and Director of Civil Defense.  He represented District 3 as School Board Member and was substitute rural mail carrier for Route 2.

With limited formal education he was self-taught through his extensive reading and research and his knowledge reached that of college graduates. He expanded his vocabulary through a hobby of crossword puzzles and could converse with most anyone on any subject and enjoyed keeping up with local and world news.

He was a key organizer, charter member, and first President of the David Murphree Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Preservation of family history and genealogy research was a particular passion of his and one which he passed along to his family.  His research led him to the Clark Cemetery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and he managed its maintenance until his death.  He has been lovingly referred to as ‘keeper of the treasures’ of the Clark family Civil War ancestors who fell at Gettysburg.  He was a member of the Chickasaw Guards and later the Calhoun Avengers of the SCV. Published authors Coco, Dreese, and Gaddy have included his historical contributions in their books and credited him therein.

After his love for his Savior, there were no greater joys in his life than his family. As long as he had sufficient breath he would lead his family in mealtime prayer, which always contained “Thank you, Lord for my family.”

He was predeceased by family he loved dearly: parents Henry and Johnnie Clark; his wife’s parents, Ernest and Mattie Thomas; brothers- in law Billy T. Turner, Alva ‘Bud’ Martin; a nephew, Vince Martin; and nieces, Tammy Martin Calvert and Sandra Turner Morgan

He leaves his beloved wife of almost 64 years, Mary Alice Thomas Clark, his daughter, Teresa Gay Clark Dunn and husband Thomas who he always said was like a son to him; daughter, Phyllis Renee Clark Wright; grandson, Creekmore Brunner “Trey” Wright, III and wife Misty, and great grandson, Briley Alexander Wright; his brother, Billy Van (Geraldine) Clark; his two sisters, Wilma Turner and Patsy (Charles) Boland; nephews Randy Turner, Scott Turner, Marty Turner, Winnon Clark, Chad Clark; and nieces Jean Turner Pullen, Kathy Turner Doss, Debbie Turner Dunn, Wendy Turner Moore, Sherry Clark Brower, Connie Clark Mulkey; and a host of extended family and friends who would all say they are better for having known such a man as Charlie Clark. May God continue to raise up men like him.

Visitation will be at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce, MS, Friday, Oct 21, 5 pm – 8 pm. The Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, October 22, 2 p.m. at Parker Memorial.  Pallbearers are Jerry Dunn, Jerry Mitchell, Allen Campbell, C. B. Wright, Jr., Larry Hellums, John Brower, Winnon Clark, Chad Clark; Honorary Pallbearers are Randy Turner, Marty Turner, Scott Turner, Ron Jones, Gene Quarles, Thurman Massey, Dwight Hellums, Joey Jones, James Hellums, Edmond Hellums, Wayne Coleman, Arthur Wesson Newman, Rev. James Taylor, Mike Bennett, Dewey Davidson, Rayford Smith and Trey Cobb.