John L. Clark

John L. Clark, 62, was called home from this life on Monday, October 10, 2016, at Passages Hospice in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Clark was born November 2, 1953, in Natchez to Calvin W. and Bertha Smith Clark.
Services for Mr. Clark were held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Monticello United Methodist Church. Graveside services followed at the Methodist Cemetery in Monticello. Rev. Mike Evans officiated the services. Wilson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
John was a member of Monticello United Methodist Church. He worked as a lumber salesman in the timber industry for many years, gaining quite the reputation as a man who delivered on his promises in providing quality materials. John began his career as one of the lowest hands on the lumber yard, and, through hard work, perseverance, and a desire to excel, worked his way up in the business, eventually managing an entire mill operation before advancing into sales. An influential member of the hardwood lumber community, John was often tapped to lobby on behalf of the industry. He was a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, the American Hardwood Export Council, and also provided support to the U.S. Department of Commerce in their efforts to expand American exports. Well respected in the community, John was the emcee for the town of Monticello’s sesquicentennial celebration in 1986 and his later portrayal of President George Washington was a town favorite.
He tried his hand at hunting and fishing but never quite had a taste for either. Woodworking held some appeal, but never all of his attention. John played golf. Period. Early on he played at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s course, later at Prentiss Country Club, and in later years quite frequently at Rolling Hills in Crystal Springs. His dedication to the game involved his own golf cart, several different sets of golf clubs, multiple putters, a neglected wife and dog, and a drive to be the best. Good enough to play in a Pro-Am tour, John played courses all over the world, including Scotland, Japan, and China. There was never a 19th hole for John; but there were many a 36th and on a good day maybe even 54. Whenever the guys he was playing with were ready to go home, John reminded them that it was not yet dark– we might get in another 9.
John was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Preceding him in death were his parents, Calvin W. and Bertha Smith Clark; and brother, Michael Wayne Clark.
Surviving John are his wife of 41 years, Sandra Green Clark; sons, Vincent Clark and wife Wendy of Memphis, Tennessee and John Clark, Jr. of Monticello; brothers, Calvin Clark (Sue) and Tom Clark (Carolyn); sisters, Barbara Norris and Pam Bolton (Hugh); sister-in-law, Sandy Clark; grandchild, Cliff Clark and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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