Donald Clark

Donald Russell Clark, 85 of Port Royal, TN passed away at his home on Saturday, July 3, 2021.

Don was born September 14, 1935, in Bumpus Mills, TN to Ruth Barnett Clark and Russell Crow Clark. Don was raised in Bumpus Mills, and it always held a special place in his heart. He would often reminisce of his childhood there, and a drive through Bumpus Mills with Don was never complete without wonderful stories of friends and family who had lived there.

His senior year of high school, Don moved to Port Royal where he graduated from Clarksville High School in 1953. He then entered the Military where he served as an Airman in the United States Air Force for four years before receiving an honorable discharge. After leaving the military, Don returned to Clarksville, where he attended Austin Peay State University, graduating with a degree in Industrial Arts. While there, Don met and married the love of his life, Ann Moore Martin and together they raised three children. Never one to be idle, Don wore multiple hats throughout his life. Besides serving in the military, Don was a postman, tobacco farmer, and local businessman. He, along with his father, owned, and operated Spring Creek Campground. As well, Don and his wife, Ann, opened Briar and Bean in Governor’s Square Mall in 1986. Don loved the Lord Jesus above all else and was an active member of Living Hope Baptist church where he served as Deacon Emeritus.

Anyone who knew Don knew he never met a stranger. He was eager to know you, know where you came from, and know if you were kin. If there was a chance you might be related, he was determined to find out. He had the gift of gab and did not let the truth get in the way of a good story. Don loved adventure and one of his greatest hobbies was flying. He received his pilot’s license and looked for any opportunity to get into a cockpit. He was also an avid nature lover, seeing the glory of God in creation. He took great pleasure in photographing lovely flowers growing at his home or bringing his wife beautiful, handpicked bouquets. Although Don loved adventure and travel, his heart was always at home where he was a loving husband to Ann and beloved father and Grandaddy to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Ann, of 57 years.

He is survived by his three children, Russ (Pam) Clark of Port Royal, TN; Sue Ann (Doug) Martin of Port Royal, TN; Marty (Liz) Clark, of Ringgold, GA; his siblings, Gloria (Dwight) Dickson of Clarksville, TN, Ted (Debby) Clark of Henderson, KY, Faye (Eddie) Miller of Clarksville, TN; his grandchildren, Kimberly (Jerry) Gray of Adams, TN, Jonathan (Jessica) Clark of Port Royal, TN, Kristi (Stephen) Thompson of Clarksville, TN, James (Megan) Martin of Bakersfield, CA, Matthew Martin of Port Royal, TN, Dalton Clark of Ringgold, GA, Ben Clark of Port Royal, TN, Abbey Clark of Ringgold, GA; and his six (soon to be seven) great-grandchildren: Amy Gray, Jayden Gray, Britton Clark, Hattie Clark, Annalee Thompson, Emmalynn Thompson, and Baby Martin.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, July 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home and Friday, July 9 from 10 am to 11 am at Living Hope Baptist Church. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, July 9 at 11 am at Living Hope Baptist Church with Bro. Derek Smith and Bro. Mike Madewell officiating.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Living Hope Baptist Church or The Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com

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