Rusty Frank Clark

Rusty was a man of simplicity and deep love, a life-long native of McIntosh County. Rusty loved his family dearly and took great joy in sharing his passion for the outdoors with them. He especially cherished the moments spent teaching his children and grandchildren to hunt, passing down not only his skills but also his respect for nature and the traditions he held close to his heart. These experiences created lasting memories with those he loved most. He found joy in the woods, spending countless hours as an avid hunter, with a special passion for turkey hunting. Known for his expertise in turkey hunting, Rusty rarely shared those skills with others, and those fortunate enough to be guided by him on a hunt considered themselves truly lucky. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2019 as Chief Ranger from the Georgia Forestry Commission. His career connected him with his passion of being in the outdoors and operating heavy equipment while protecting the community he loved. He built enduring friendships and created countless memories as a proud member of the Snuff Box Hunting Club, and was also a founding member of the local chapter of My Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club where he earned the nickname “Birdman”. For Rusty, the woods were more than a place of recreation-they were a source of peace and a space where he felt a deep connection with God. His love for his family, nature, his community, and his faith defined the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years that he loved dearly, Theresa Diane Clark, his father, Frank McClelland Sr., stepfather Kenny Heath and two brothers, Frank McClelland Jr. and HM McClelland.

Rusty is survived by his mother, Ruth Rozier Heath of Townsend; his “favorite” child, Little Bit Delilah Clark of Townsend; a son, Rusty Samuel Clark of Townsend; four daughters, Roxane Clark McKinzie (James) of Townsend, Angel Diane Monroe (Terry) of Denver, CO, Mahalie Danielle Clark of Edwards, CA and Morgan Rebecca Clark of Darien; eight grandchildren, Maddie and Jax McKinzie of Townsend, Joshua, Laila and Josiah Monroe of Denver, CO, Malani Jones of Edward, CA and Tatum and Tucker Clark of Darien; companion, Megan Holland and her son Gailen Stamey of Darien; two siblings, Mike McClelland, Sr. (Rhonda) and Kathy Goode (Jackie), of Ludowici. Rusty is also survived by several nieces, nephews and “brothers” he rode motorcycles with and members of the Snuff Box Hunting Club. He will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Friday at 3:30 at Plum Orchard Cemetery in Townsend with Brother Tommy Whaley and Brother Danny Stillwell officiating. Active pallbearers will be Charlie Golden, Kim Lynn, Ricky McSpadden, Jeffrey NeeSmith, Dee Rozier and Brian Vickers.

Arrangements entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. www.edomillerandsons.com