David Lewis Clark

Obituary

A Life Measured in Memories

David Lewis Clark, or Deacon Clark, was born December 26, 1940, to Hansell and Johnnie Pearl Clark in Boston, Georgia. He was educated in the segregated Thomas County public school system and was a member of New Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorage of Reverend C.H. Baskin. Upon graduation from New Union School, David joined the United States Army and served faithfully and honorably until his retirement in 1983. During his military career, David served as an Infantryman, completing two tours in Vietnam, a tour in Korea, and Indochina. He was a celebrated Drill Sergeant training soldier during his final tours in service at Fort Benning and Fort Jackson.

David Clark loved three things: serving the Lord, his family, and gardening. David was an avid gardener who fed his family and neighbors alike. When he wasn’t gardening, he enjoyed taking care of his family. He took pride in doing things for his wife, children, and grandchildren. There was nothing he would not share with them. He loved the Lord. He was an active deacon at New Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He taught Sunday school not only at his church but for the South Bound Union for over 30 years. He was able to make the Bible stories relatable to current events.

On February 22, 2023, David traded his earthly home for his heavenly home while surrounded by his loved ones at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, Georgia. Forever cherishing his memories: his loving and devoted wife of over 61 years, Lucilla; their children, Linda Faye and Paul Clark, both of Thomasville, GA; grandchildren, Kamari Clark, Ambernishia Bradshaw, Ashley Austin, Amber Austin, and Amanda Austin, all of Thomasville, GA, Brandon Robinson of Boston, GA, and Janay Henderson and Candance (Keith) Reddick, both of Atlanta, GA; thirteen great- grandchildren; sister, Josephine Tillman of Thomasville, GA; and brothers, Horace Clark (Sonya) of Newnan, GA, and Robert Clark (Doretha) of Batavia, IL.

Unfortunately, David experienced the deaths of many precious family members, including his parents, Hansell and Johnnie Pearl Clark; siblings, James, Curvey, Mack, Thomas, and Hansell Jr.; sisters, Maggie Cooney, Betty Clark, Helen Johnson, and Ruth Clark; as well as a host of family and friends throughout the years. He lost his beloved daughter, Yolanda Evette Smith, in 2021.