Gerald W. Clark, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 3, 2023, at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, AL surrounded by his loving family. Services honoring the life of Mr. Clark will be at 1PM, Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Beech Hill Church of Christ in Benton County with visitation starting at 11AM. Burial will follow in the Beech Hill Church of Christ Cemetery.
Born January 17, 1941, in Maud, AL, he was the son of the late Asberry and Mary Ruth Burns Clark. Mr. Clark was a graduate of Mars Hill Bible School. He received his associate degree from Freed Hardman, his bachelor’s degree from Harding University and his master’s degree from The University of Mississippi. Mr. Clark was employed with Bradshaw High School as a History teacher and coached numerous sports. After retiring from the Alabama public school system, Mr. Clark moved to Mississippi where he was the Principal of Hickory Flat and Ashland School Systems.
A Christian and member of Cross Point Church of Christ in Florence, AL, Mr. Clark will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. With his positive attitude, he could see the potential in his students and always encouraged them to be the best they could be. Mr. Clark was an avid marathon runner and was inducted into the Lauderdale County Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. A teller of funny stories, it could be said that he always brought a smile to everyone’s face and touched the lives of anyone he met throughout his life.
Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 58 years, Emily Paulette Ward Clark, one son Patrick Clark (Stephanie) of Florence AL, one sister Rumel Rikard, and four grandchildren, Julie Clark, Katie Clark, Bryce Gautney and Brynna Gautney
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister Mary Nell Kimbrough and one grandson James Clark.
The family requests any memorials be made to Cross Point College Mission Group, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL 35633.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the Clark family.
