Ralph R. Clark

Posted on December 15, 2023

Ralph R. Clark, 97, of Perry passed away peacefully on Dec. 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Marjorie (“Margie”), and family.

Ralph, also affectionately known as “Uncle Ralph” and “Grandaddy,” was born Aug. 23, 1926, in Burnt Fort, Ga., to Harvey Furman Clark and Viola Louise Boring as the middle child of five.

It was in the turpentine camps of southern Georgia, where Ralph’s father worked as a woods rider, that Ralph would first be exposed to the lumber industry that came to define his professional life. Tragically, both Ralph’s father and mother passed away during Ralph’s childhood. Despite these difficult circumstances, Ralph would find a surrogate father and mother in his uncle, Newt Boring, and aunt, Susie, and grow close with his cousin-siblings, Margaret, Newt Jr. and Susan.

Ralph would go on to serve honorably in the United States Navy during the Second World War before directly embarking on a successful career in the lumber industry – the pinnacle of which saw him create the Clark Lumber Company, which he ran with Margie until their retirement.

Widely known throughout the Southeast for his incredible work ethic, Ralph would often be on two phones simultaneously to hammer out a deal – all while maintaining a full conversation with a third person in the room!

To all those who knew Ralph, they recognized that he was a “big” man – in stature, personality and accomplishments. Ralph bestowed a nickname on every friend he made – a quality all the more impressive given nearly every person Ralph met quickly became his friend. Always quick to offer a joke, story or a funny quip, the main thing that most will take away from Ralph’s life was that he brightened every room he entered.

Ralph also defined his life as a servant-leader for the community and was actively involved in church leadership in every community he lived in. This involvement saw him and Margie host church leaders and missionaries from across the country and world at their home – fondly referred to as the “Perry Patch.”

Ralph was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Perry.

While deeply saddened by his loss, Ralph’s family is uplifted by the 97 years of fond memories.

Ralph leaves behind to a long list of loving family, including his wife, Margie; younger brother, Billy Clark (Pat); and four children, Leah Clark-Abrams (known to Ralph as “Cricket”) (David), mother of Brandon (Zahra) and Allie; Wanda Kelly (Glenn), mother of Megan; Paul Clark (Beth), father of Jennie, Paula (Tyler) and Randy (Danielle); and, Jim Clark (Teresa), father of Christie (Jason) and Steven (Danielle).

Ralph also leaves behind six great-grandchildren, his beloved siblings-in-law, Quincy and Rachel Green, parents to Ginger (known to Ralph as “Ginger Baby”) Green, and loving caretakers, Elizabeth (“Liz”) Whetsel, Christina Allmendinger and Brenda Jenkins.

Ralph was predeceased by his father; mother; older brother, Hudson; older sister, Merle; younger brother, Russell; uncle; aunt; and cousin-siblings; along with his beloved “puppy dog” Lily, and close friends too numerous to name.

Arrangements are being handled by Burns Funeral Home, with a visitation to take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at First Baptist Church of Perry, immediately followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.

Flowers or memorial contributions to First Baptist Church may be made in Ralph’s name.

Condolences may also be expressed by signing the guest registry during the celebration of life.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com