John W. Clark

Jay Clark was born in Ennis, Texas, the youngest of seven children to parents Ellen Laura Dunks and William Oscar Clark. He suffered two accidents at ages 3 and 11 which left him totally blind. His family reluctantly sent him from his home in North Texas to the Texas School for the Blind in Austin. He was an excellent student and track star in running hurdles as well as participating in gymnastics. It was here that his passion for music was born. He performed music from the early 40's through the 90's, mostly in the Austin area and for the last nearly 30 years, he played at the Carousel Club in Austin where his following included young and old. He was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 1998. Married to Cora Maxine Gardner (deceased), there were two children, son John W. Clark, Jr. of Austin and daughter Linda M. Clark-Conn of San Antonio. Married to Shirley Jean Shelton (deceased), there was one child, son David W. Clark of Austin. In addition to his children, he is survived by his brother, Rufus O. Clark, granddaughters, Wendy, Ellen, and Ashley Clark and great granddaughter, Aislyn Clark. A celebration of his life will take place at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress Avenue on June 4 at 2:00 p.m. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com