Rodney W Clark

Rodney Wayne Clark was born on September 16, 1943, in Cedar Vale, Kansas. He was the son of Ray Noe, and was lovingly raised by his step-father, Ramond Clark and his mother Nellie Fern Miller. Throughout his remarkable life, Rodney faced challenges with unwavering courage, most notably with his 40-year battle against multiple-sclerosis—a struggle he met with faith, determination, resilience and the loving support of his family and friends.

The love of his life was his devoted wife, Karen. They fell in love in college at Emporia State University and were married for 58 years.

Rodney’s life was defined by his dedication to family, faith, and community. Those who knew him were blessed with his always bright smile, radiant spirit, and wonderful sense of humor.

He earned a Bachelor’s of Administration degree with a minor in business from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.

His professional career spanned several industries and roles, including:

Hallmark Cards National Director of Sales * United Telecommunications North Supply Company Division Manager Cable TV * Anheuser-Busch Sports Time Television Network National Sales Manager * Contel-Texocom Director of Sales and Marketing. * Contel-Material Management Director of Marketing/Board of Directors.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rodney was deeply committed to service. During the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. As a combat engineer in the 226th Engineering Battalion, he served for 6 years and was an expert with the M-14 rifle. He was a patriot who always loved the promise of America and was a proud member of the American Legion for 53 years.

As an active athlete before his illness, Rodney enjoyed intense tennis matches, skiing in Colorado, and golfing with friends. He loved music and was a gifted jazz trumpet player in college. He cherished dancing with his beloved wife and embraced music and movement as sources of joy and healing.

His passion for servant leadership extended deep into the community throughout his life. Rodney was a founding member and elder of the Stanley Presbyterian Church in Stanley, Kansas. He served in leadership roles in the Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, and loved coaching youth soccer and baseball. He always wanted to help others be their best and to succeed both professionally and personally.

For 40 years, Rodney faced the progressive challenges of MS with an indomitable spirit, determination, and grace. Despite the enormous physical hardships and obstacles imposed by MS, he never gave up and poured even more of himself into helping others. His perseverance became a beacon of hope not only for himself but also for those around him. Rodney’s determination inspired many and he made it his personal mission to help others overcome similar adversity. He was most proud of the instrumental role he played in getting important legislation passed in Georgia to assist people with MS, an effort recognized by Governor Brian Kemp when it was signed into law in 2022.

He was well-known at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta where he frequently went for treatment as both an advisor and friend to dozens of newly diagnosed individuals with neurological issues as well as recent combat veterans who lost their ability to walk. He was always offering them guidance, love, and encouragement. He was someone who truly understood their challenges and was a selfless, loyal friend to them in their most difficult times.

Rodney was a dedicated member of:

Eastminster Presbyterian Church (Marietta, Georgia)

The American Legion (53 years)

Alpha Kappa Lambda (serving as Social Chairman)

Toastmasters International

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Georgia

Rodney’s legacy lives on in his beloved family whom he deeply loved. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Karen Clark of Marietta, Georgia; his half-sister, Donna Bell of Odessa, Texas; his cousin Marilyn Ewing; of Lenexa, Kansas, his daughter, Kristin Clark Shaw, married to Glenn (Marietta, Georgia) and their children, Ala Kenny Shaw & Clark Hendricks Shaw and his son, Jeffrey Scott Clark, married to Catherine (Marietta, Georgia) and their children, Madeline Frances Clark, Ella Louise Clark and Lila Rose Clark.

Rodney’s strength was bolstered by his unwavering faith in Jesus and the constant love and encouragement of his family, who remained steadfastly by his side throughout every trial. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience. His life story serves to glorify God as an enduring example of how faith, courage and hope can light the darkest of paths and inspire others.

A celebration of Rodney’s courageous and inspirational life will be held on Friday, March 7 at 3:00 PM at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Friends, family, and all whose lives he touched or is touched by his story are welcome to join in honoring his memory and his enduring spirit.

On behalf of our family, we are forever grateful for so many people who helped us with your prayers, friendship, time, and love. You made a difference and as my dad was famous for saying, you are “JUST OUTSTANDING!"

Soli Deo Gloria.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The MS Society of Georgia: https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=627214#:~:text=https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/Rodney%2D%2DRod%2D%2DClark or The Shepherd Center: give.shepherd.org