Carl Franklin Clark, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer, receiving his full healing in the presence of his Savior.

Carl was born in Sunflower County on January 3, 1939, to Horace Tillman and Pearlie Pace Clark.  Carl's affinity for entrepreneurism developed early in his life out of necessity.  Never turning away from hard work, even as a young child, he found ways to make money from raising hogs to cutting firewood and cutting lawns for neighbors.  Harvesting mistletoe with a shotgun to sell to shoppers in downtown was a yearly holiday undertaking.   He eventually found work as a roofer and honed those skills into a lifetime career.  Just a few weeks prior to his passing, Carl could still be found on the roof of his business directing work.  From his own economic struggles early in life, Carl developed a compassion for and willingness to help those in dire circumstances.   His heart never lost its empathy for the struggles of others.

After graduating from Greenwood High School in 1958 where he was an excellent math student, Carl served in the Army from 1961 to 1963, receiving an honorable discharge as a Preventive Medicine Specialist.  He was proud of his service and was always a proud patriot.

Carl married Virginia Adcock on January 1, 1963, raising three children and working together in his roofing and rental businesses.  Later in life, Carl established Clark's Mini-Storage which he operated until his passing.    He was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church through the years, serving in many roles including deacon.  Carl worked with his friends and Christian brothers on many building and maintenance projects for Immanuel.  Seeing those projects to completion were important to him and he was faithful to give his time and skill for the progress of the Church. Cooking for Brotherhood Breakfast on Sunday mornings was something he looked forward to and enjoyed.  He was also faithful to give his time to the youth of Immanuel.  He loved to teach children to water ski and many Saturdays you could find him with the youth of Immanuel at Grenada Lake where he exemplified the patience of Job while teaching others to ski.  Carl was a hunter and fisherman though not as much in later years as in his youth.  He also loved music of all types and was especially proud that he was able to teach himself how to play the harmonica.  He played his harmonica even while on hospice and listened to his favorite gospel songs daily.   His memory will only grow sweeter to those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brothers, David Clark and Charlie Clark. He is survived by his son, Carl Franklin Clark, Jr. (Ellen) of Nashville, TN;  daughters Carla Clark Robertson (Russell)  and Karen Clark (Larry Myers) of Greenwood, MS; grandchildren Terry Toole (Bethany) of Greenwood, MS, Thomas Toole (Shelby) of Oxford, MS, Christian Fortenberry (Brooks) of Brandon, MS, Anna Mills (Jarrett) of Itta Bena, MS, and Martha Clark Robertson of Ridgeland, MS; two brothers, George Clark and Bobby Clark (Judy) both of Greenwood; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and his special friend, Ms. Sally Brock.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Greenwood from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with services immediately following the visitation.  Interment will be at the North MS Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS.  Carl's nephews will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Immanuel Baptist Church or to the Greenwood, MS Cemetery Association.