Johnny Tee Clark, Jr.

Johnny Tee Clark, Jr., passed away December 9, 2004, due to complications following an accident. Johnny was born on September 20, 1928, in Pineland, Texas, to John Taylor and Gladys Morris Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Johnny Tee Clark, III.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tommye Glynn Clark; son, Jimmy Clark of San Angelo; daughter, Joy Brunson and son-in-law Brent, of Baytown; three grandchildren, Meagan, Lance, and Shay Brunson; and a very special young man, Arturo Martinez. He is also survived by two sisters, Ethel Clark Mitchell of Magnolia and Dolly Gullo and brother-in-law, Antone, of Magnolia; a brother, W.B. Clark, and sister-in-law, Charlene, of Channelview; mother-in-law, Ouida Billings of Del Rio; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Helen and Bill Maness of Ozona; numerous nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Jim Pirtle.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Harding College at Searcy, Arkansas, his master’s from Sul Ross State University, and was awarded a doctorate’s degree from Western Colorado University in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Because of his love for children and people, he began his career in education as a teacher of mathematics in Langtry. From Langtry he moved to Ozona, and at the age of 24, he became superintendent at Ackerly, Texas, and was the youngest superintendent in the state. Dr. Clark then became superintendent at Wilson, Olton, and Hereford school districts before coming to Goose Creek CISD, Baytown. He served as superintendent for Goose Creek CISD from 1969 to 1985. Upon his retirement from Goose Creek CISD, he could not quit working and decided to stay active by forming his own roofing company.

His interest in strengthening the quality of public education, combined with his skill as a leader, proved a beneficial contribution to many special legislative committees. In 1972, he was appointed by House Speaker Gus Mutscher to serve on an interim study committee to examine the administration of public school education in Texas; he was also a member of the State committee for the study of curriculum in the 1980s and was appointed by Governor Preston Smith to serve on the Governors’ Committee for Lifetime Sports. Dr. Clark was a life member of the Texas State Teachers Association, the National Education Association, and the Texas Association of School Administrators, and the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers. He held positions of significant responsibility in those organizations and was one of 30 administrators selected to study educational programs in the Soviet Union. He was chosen as the Texas Classroom Teachers Administrator of the Year in 1984.

While in Goose Creek, he started the first in-school suspension class in Texas—SAC, Special Assignment Clinic; pioneered one of the first early childhood classes for underachieving preschoolers housed in Kilgore Center, a special education center built under Clark’s reign; created the Stuart Career Center, a building designed to house and improve the vocational programs of the District; and provided for the addition of elementary counselors and nurses, teacher aides, and an extensive building program.

In addition to his career in education, he was actively involved in his community. He was a member of the Eastside Church of Christ; Lions Club, of which he served as a district governor. He served as a past director of the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and served on the Executive Board of the Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, and was a past member of the Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association.

From a small boy growing up in the rural community of Magnolia, Texas, to one of the most respected and well-known educators in our state, Dr. Clark touched the hearts and lives of many people from all walks of life. He was the kind of friend one could call in the small hours of the night with a request that might require driving many hours, or considerable money, and be assured he would respond promptly with a smile, ready and willing to help wherever needed. It is perhaps this quality of friendship that drew people to him. A generosity of spirit perhaps best characterized Johnny Clark—whether he was speaking with the governor of some state, or an elementary school student, respect for the individual was evident. He was able to convey an interest in each that he really cared—a true gift.

Dr. Clark was not only an outstanding educator; he was also a lay minister, rancher, bronco rider, racehorse owner, biker, pilot and political insider.

Dr. Clark, having served his community since 1969, and whose accomplishments were a positive influence on public education in Texas and in Baytown, will be remembered as an outstanding individual and educator.

He loved his family deeply and cared for all people in general. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Meagan, Lance, and Shay Brunson and Arturo Martinez. He was profoundly grateful to Joy Woodall and Judi Craig.

Pallbearers include nephews and friends Antone Gullo, Tony Gullo, Corky Gullo, Sparky Gullo, Roddy Rodriguez, Mike Waldrum, Stanley Flanagan, J.T. Hooten, Bussy Kaul, Dwight Shirley, John Walker, Paul Lee Hinton, and Rick Kemp. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Clark, Paul Hinton, Barry Nettles, Don Treuhardt, Woody Walker, members of school district Boards of Trustees that he served with during his years in education, and the employees of AAA Construction.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 16, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ross S. Sterling High School Auditorium, 300 W. Baker Rd., Baytown, TX 77521 with Tony Mauck officiating. Another funeral service will be held Friday, December 17, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ozona Church of Christ, 1002 11TH St., Ozona, TX 76943 with Johnny Perkins officiating. Burial will follow at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ozona.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the local charity of one’s choice.

To view the obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Services are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX 77521, (281) 422-8111.