Mr. Billy Gene Clark

July 22, 1945 - June 4, 2015

Deacon Billy G. Clark was born to the late Willie and Ivory Lee Clark on July 22, 1945 in DeKalb, MS. He was the second oldest of twelve children. He later moved to the Delta where he joined Morning Star M.B.Church under the leadership of the late pastor Reverend A. G. Gregory and Reverend A. C. Alexander. He was an active member in the church. He attended Sherard Junior High (grades 1-9); graduated from Coahoma Agricultural High; graduated from Coahoma Junior College and attended Jackson State University. He joined the Army Reserve and served the 467th Combat Engineer Battalion and in Korea for thirteen months (1968 – 1982). He later joined and became an active member of Longview True Holiness Community Church at 1905 S. Lauderdale in Memphis, TN, where he served faithful on the deacon board until his health failed. Deacon Clark was a leader in his community, a strong Christian family man… the chain that held his family together. He was a carpenter, all around handyman; was widely known for his trade in Memphis, TN and Clarksdale, MS. His mother and father preceded him in death; also other family members who have gone on to glory. He leaves to cherish his memories the love of his life, the apple of his eye, his wife of thirty-two (32) years, Mrs. Shirley Clark. To this union two families came together as one. He also leaves to cherish his memories, eight children; Billy Clark, Jr., Otis Brooks Jr. Clark (Karla), Rhonda Clark, Mechelle E. Draper Clark, Shanda Clark of Clarksdale MS, Shirley D. Brooks Clark, Sylvia R. Brooks Clark, Lisa M. Clark Patrick (Reginald), all of Memphis, TN. He also leaves thirty-five grandchildren, one who preceded him in death, LaDarius M. Brooks; four great grandchildren; eleven siblings, Murdis (James) Lenard, Mary (Timothy) Clark Burrel, Johnny (Toya)Ivory Clark, Vivian (Michael)Roach, Stanley (Regina) Clark all of Clarksdale MS; Willie L. (Luenell) Clark, Jimmy D. (Henrietta) Clark, all of Clarksville TN; Archie L. (Claudette) Clark of St. Louis, MO, Raymond E. (Shirley) Clark of Jackson, MS, Sylvia (Lawrence) Kelly of Pearl, MS and Rica (Troy) Wright of Atlanta, GA; three aunts, Lucinda Grant of Bloomington, IL, Willie Mae Brown of Chicago, IL and Bonnie Jean Gill of Philadelphia, MS. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives. Deacon Billy Clark will never be forgotten for his kind, grateful, caring and loving spirit and for his TENDER HEART! He was a staple in Clarksdale, MS and Memphis, TN community. Readily available to lend a helping hand to anyone in need… Deacon Clark will be deeply missed by family and friends!!