Our beloved patriarch of the Clark family…husband, father, and Papa, LTC Richard Lee Clark, USA Retired, of Columbus, Georgia, went to his eternal Home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the evening of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at his Spring Harbor home, at the age of 86.
He is survived by his precious bride and loving wife of almost 67 years, Bobbye Lyons Clark, of Columbus, Georgia. Also surviving are Richard’s two daughters, (Melony) Kay Wiggins and husband Terry of Fortson, Georgia, Cathy Chapman and husband Keith of Fortson, Georgia, and one son, Richard Clark, Jr. and wife Janet of High Point, North Carolina. Surviving grandchildren are Chris Wiggins and wife June of Fortson, Georgia, April Satterfield and husband Scott of Phenix City, Alabama, Brent Chapman and wife Tina of West Point, Georgia, Stephanie Clark of High Point, North Carolina, and Todd Clark of Hardeeville, South Carolina. Surviving great grandchildren are Madison Bosarge, Berkley Wiggins, Emily Chapman, Jennifer Dinsmore and Thomas Jacob Satterfield. Surviving great great grandchildren are Denver Huckaby, Aspen Huckaby, and Indie Cartwright. Surviving siblings include three sisters Hazel Champagne of Benton, Arkansas, Ola Vandiver of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Marie Smith of Pindall, Arkansas.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ola Clark, both of Sheridan, Arkansas, three brothers, John Clark of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Joe Clark of Bossier City, Louisiana, Kenneth Clark of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and one sister, Sally Griffin of Sheridan, Arkansas.
Richard was born in Sheridan, Arkansas on April 21, 1939 as the fifth of eight children to Richard M. and Ola G. Clark. As a young boy, he developed a love of hunting, fishing, and all things outdoors, which he carried throughout his life, instilling the same interests in his son, sons-in-law, and grandsons.
Richard met the love of his life, Bobbye, through her brother Charles, at the Ritz Movie Theater in Malvern, Arkansas. Their loving marriage began on July 10, 1958, nearly 67 years ago when Bobbye was 15 and Richard was 19. A caregiver extraordinaire, Bobbye faithfully devoted her life to being Richard’s partner, best friend, and proud military wife, through each high and low of life.
Richard joined the Arkansas Army Reserves after high school and served until his unit was activated in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. His tours of duty included Karlsruhe, Germany in 1964, An Khe, Vietnam in 1967, and Seoul, Korea in 1972. He remained on active duty for 32 years, retiring in 1991, as the Chief of Personnel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Surpassing each accomplishment in his illustrious military career are the spiritual seeds that Richard planted in the lives of each one of his family members. Outside of his amazing devotion to his wife, Bobbye, was the supreme love that Richard had for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Nothing made him happier than when the whole family got together! Faith, family, and freedom were the pillars of his life and we give glory to God for the Christian witness that Richard had on all he encountered.
The celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 11am at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary at 4071 Macon Road in Columbus, Georgia. Visitation will be from 10-11am prior to the service. All friends and family are invited to attend. Flowers are welcome and donations to Columbus Hospice will be accepted.
