Albert Carr "Al" Clark

Al Clark, 77, passed away at his home in Paris on February 24, 2017. He was born on August 2, 1939 in Oakdale, Texas to Albert Clifford and Susie Hargrave Clark. Al graduated from Sulphur Bluff High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University, Commerce in May of 1962. In December, 1962, Al began a career with Westinghouse, later Philips Lighting, in Paris that spanned a period of thirty-seven years ending with his retirement as Factory Manager in 1999. Al Clark was the most avid of outdoorsmen. He truly loved the challenge and pursuit of the hunt. Whether it was an elephant and plains game in Africa or turkey, whitetail deer, mule deer, elk or antelope across the United States, Al was a man ready for the challenge. A close second to the hunt for him was time spent fishing. He enjoyed every minute spent fishing with those close friends or grandkids that shared his same passion. Next to hunting and fishing, Al took great pride in raising fine livestock each year, carefully investing time and energy to see that they transitioned from yearling heifer to “ready to calve in the spring.” He was also a man that loved the land and loved working it and seeing it grow and produce. This was never more evident than the faithful manner he planted, pruned, maintained and harvested pecans each year from the pecan orchard in Red River County. Al was a member of the Church of Christ and Sulphur Bluff Masonic Lodge. Surviving him is his wife, Cornice Campbell Clark, whom he married on September 27, 1980; a son Stephen Clark and wife Priscilla, a daughter Julie Rook and husband Jeff, stepsons Randy Parsons and wife Kay and Kevin Parsons and wife Barbara; eight grandchildren, Kara Parsons, Kacy Parsons Young and husband Chase, Ryan Floyd, Katherine Rodgers Smith and husband Wesley, Logan Parsons, Ethan Parsons, Jacob Rodgers, Luke Parsons, Kyle Rook and wife Molly, Josh Rook, and Mason Rook; and five great-grandchildren, Colby Floyd, Emma Floyd, Austin Young, Kristin Young, and Oliver Rook; a sister Sarah Clark Stevens and husband Gary, a brother-in-law Larry Campbell and wife Linda, a niece Pam Stevens Wideman and husband David, great nephew Zachary Hope and wife Jordan, and great niece Alexis Hope. Al was preceded in death by his parents, a stepson Richard Parsons, a grandson John Robert Rodgers, and a niece Laura Stevens VanBibber. The family extends a special thank you for the loving care and support we have received from Premier Home Health Care and On Call Hospice Care. God bless each and every one of you. Visitation will be on Sunday February 26, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bright Holland Funeral Home. Roy Herman will conduct graveside services at Nelta Cemetery on Monday February 27, 2017 at 3:00 pm. Pallbearers are grandsons Ryan Floyd, Logan Parsons, Ethan Parsons, Jacob Rodgers, Luke Parsons, and Wesley Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Sanderson, Jerry Ben Hargraves, Gary Stevens, and Max Fair. Directions to Nelta Cemetery: From SH 19 turn left on FM 71 and go East for 8.4 miles to County Road 3605. Turn left on County Road 3605 and head North for 0.3 miles to County Road 3573. Turn left on County Road 3573 and head North for 0.1 miles. Cemetery will be on the right.