Barrett Neal Clark was born on March 4, 1936 in Niota TN. Barrett entered this world with a zest for life. He was a rambunctious young man playing and rough housing with his older brother, always looking for their next adventure. He lost his mother at an early age and moved to Edenville Pennsylvania to start a new life. He struggled in those early years, but found his footing through sports and excelled in any sport he attempted. Boxing was not one of them.
After graduating from St. Thomas High School, Barrett moved to Knoxville where he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He met his life-long partner, Marye, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years together. During their time together, they raised four children and adored five grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and several honorary greats and grands. Barrett enjoyed coaching his daughters in softball at Rocky Hill and his sons in football and baseball at West Central.
Throughout his life, Barrett instilled his passion to always do your best and finish what you started. He believed you should treat everyone fairly and be a humble winner, as well as a gracious loser. After all, everyone loses at various points in life and sports. He departed this world peacefully on May 9, 2022. A life very well lived and played.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Champ and Anne Clark, stepmother Erma Clark, brothers Champ Clark Jr. and Robert Clark, sister Deloris Brookens. He is survived by his wife, Marye E. Clark, daughters Ellen A. Clark and Elaine N. Clark, son in law Timothy Robinson, sons, Mark E. Clark, daughter in law Wendy Reed and Andrew G. Clark, daughter in law Holly Tatum, grandchildren Wilson K. Clark, Jacob K. Clark, Elizabeth (Libby) H. Clark, Katie M. Clark and Isaac L. Clark, special grand nephews Drew and Will Mowery, honorary daughter Lori Young and honorary granddaughter Shanna Trehorn, siblings Becky Orsa, Pat Friese, Mike Clark and many beloved friends and pets.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Barrett’s home church, First Baptist Church Knoxville on Saturday, May 21st at 2:00 pm. Receiving of friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, make contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Young Williams Animal Shelter, Boys & Girls Clubs, First Baptist Church Knoxville or your local youth sports leagues to encourage and teach children life lessons through sports.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Clark family.
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