Ray Clark, Sr.

Stapleton, GA  – Ray Champion Clark, Sr., 80, entered into rest Friday morning, March 15, 2013 at his residence.  A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00PM Monday, March 18, 2013 in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ralph Kitchens officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Avera.

One of eight children born to the late Rosa Covington Clark and the late Oscar Clark, Ray was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. He proudly served his country in the Army, after which he worked for Stapleton Garment Company, then retiring (twice) from GA TENN Mining Company as Production Foreman with over 30 years of service. He loved working in his vegetable garden, hunting and fishing and, as was obvious to those who knew him, wearing blue-plaid shirts. Ray never met a stranger and was always available to lend a helping hand to those in need. Ray was a wonderful brother, devoted daddy, loving papa and dedicated friend whose greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.  Ray was just a “good ‘ole boy” who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Ray C. Clark, Jr.; two grandchildren, Ashley Usry and Michael Clark; and six siblings, Mildred Lowvow, Venera Beasley, Inez Chalker, Myrtice Hilborne, Harold Clark and Buck Clark. Those left to cherish his memory include three daughters, Janet Hall Prescott (Tanny) of Mitchell, Julie Clark of Modoc SC and Sheree Wylds of Martinez; a sister, Janie Roberson of Ocala FL; six grandchildren, Eric Clark, Chris Clark, Timothy Silas, Cristal Clark, Lauren Wylds and Danny Wylds; nine great grandchildren, Tristan Clark, Ansley Clark, Alyssa Clark, Carson Clark, Caroline Clark, Mikayla Clark, Shaun Clark, Allyanna Clark and Mason Silas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Chris Clark, Eric Clark, Lance Irby, Timothy Silas, Keith Usry and Danny Wylds.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made directly to James Funeral Home, P.O. Box 588, Wrens GA 30833.
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I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I am following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at the close of day.

If my passing has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss—
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved ones’ touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now, He set me free.
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Fisherman's Prayer

God grant that I may live to fish for another shining day,
But when my final cast is made I then most humbly pray,
When nestled in you landing net as I lay peacefully asleep,
You'll smile at me and judge that I am good enough to keep.

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