Graveside services for John L. Clark, of Natchez, will be at 10:30 a.m. at Methodist Cemetery in Monticello. Rev. Mike Evans will officiate. Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be today, Oct. 14, 2016, from 5 until 8 p.m. and will continue Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, at United Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the cemetery. 

Mr. Clark, 62, died Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, at Passages Hospice in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Clark was born Nov. 2, 1953, in Natchez, to Calvin W. and Bertha Smith Clark.   

Mr. Clark, 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. He 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, he was often tapped to lobby on the behalf of the industry. He was a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association and 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, Mr. Clark 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.

He 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, Mr. Clark played courses all over the world, including Scotland, Japan and China.  There was never a 19th hole for him; 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, he reminded them that it was not yet dark “We might get in another nine.”

He was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and brother, Michael Wayne Clark.

Survivors include 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.