Mr. David Byrd Clark

David Byrd Clark, 69, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Visitation will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence on Saturday, May 31, 2014, from 5pm until 8pm, and the funeral will be held at Marvin United Methodist Church in Florence on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 2pm. There will be a one-hour visitation at Marvin prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mountain Creek Baptist Cemetery. David was born in Jackson on January 11, 1945, to the late Earl and Lois Clark. He lived in Florence for over thirty-five years. David was a 1963 graduate of Provine High School in Jackson. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and speech from Belhaven University. He then attended law school at the University of Mississippi, where he graduated third in his class and was on the law journal. He also attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to pursue his interest in theological philosophy. David’s life pursuit was public service. In addition to being a member of the Florence Volunteer Fire Department for many years, he served two terms as District Attorney for Rankin and Madison counties. During this time, he showed courage and audacity as he fought injustice without succumbing to the political machine. David’s entrepreneurial spirit shined through in his and Pam’s numerous ventures into broadcasting. They also had a deep love for traveling. They toured Europe several times and enjoyed cruising the tropics. They traveled all over the United States, often with kids and dogs searching for snow and other adventures. David loved history and was an avid collector of historical and familial memorabilia. He also enjoyed country music and loved the New York Yankees. David encountered struggles in his lifetime which were sometimes magnified by the attention they brought. His strengths lay in his passion for life, love for his family, his intelligence, and his incredible dry wit. Despite his conservative upbringing, through contemplation and prayer he transformed his mind and his heart to know that all people were created equal and should be treated accordingly. He spent much of his life putting those beliefs into practice and speaking for those who needed help. David was preceded in death by his parents, W. Earl and Lois Clark; and brothers, Tim and Benjamin Clark. He is survived by Pam Keen Clark, his wife of forty years; his daughter, Shelley Clark; his son, Brian Clark; his foster son, John Crowe; his sister, Carolyn Matthews; and many nieces and nephews. David was a generous, kind-hearted man who cast a large presence in his own quiet way. He was beloved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.