When I was initially making that transition into becoming a stage player myself in some very radical cool Zeppelin-Tull-Queen-esque local bands, I would always call Clark to come listen.  He would sit for hours and because he knew every intonation and sound of the real songs, he would give us perfect advice. He probably knew what Robert Plant liked for breakfast!  He was like Superman on the side of righteousness and made me feel that I could do anything!  And I did, largely thanks to Clark’s encouragement and positive impact, leading me to roles with the Outlaws, Johnny Winter, Bad Company, Stevie Ray Vaughan and others.  Although I traveled extensively, Clark was aware of everything.  We never did not talk.  There may have been periods that went by, but, as his other friends know, you could pick up right where you left off -- it just seemed as though time had never passed.  No one ever had to apologize, it was just one of the other small gifts of knowing Clark Wayne Woodruff.
As Steve said, Clark was a fountain of kindness and friendship in his reliable, down-to-earth way.   He is the type of individual that we should all strive to be – funny, honest, trustworthy, loyal, and so many qualities that each of you can think of from your own memories.  It’s appropriate to always think and never forget Mr. Woodruff (not Homer! “That’s my dad, Hy-Fi!”)

And as of last week Clark has found sugar for his coffee or tea, and maybe even a long cool woman in a black dress.   The new Mother Nature has taken over.
I know we all have our own stories of Clark, this is just one of mine. Thank you for those of you who have shared and please continue to do so.  He is well worth the effort.

“Distant roads are callin' me…On my way to better things… I found myself in a new pair of wings…and I’m soaring above you all this day…  [Mic drop.]  I’m out.   Love, Clark”

Clark, we love you from near and far and you shall be sorely missed.  WITH LOVE from, HYATT FINLEY & Gail Shugart

A very long time ago, a 5-year-old boy stood at the end of his driveway, watching an older boy ride his bicycle down the street.  The younger boy stopped him and asked, “Will you be my friend?”   Most 10-year olds would have ignored the 5 year old, or told him to buzz off.  But this 10-year old said “Yes”.  For the next 57 years, that kind-hearted older boy, Clark, remained a steadfast friend to me, the younger boy.

As happens, in the following years, memories as a 5-year-old became fuzzy, and the exact details of the other boy faded; however, I never forgot that feeling of acceptance that had been extended by him.   I often wondered how his life was going, and of the benefits his kindness gave me.  
In growing up, I always knew Clark as my friend.   It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that Clark happened to say one day, “You know, I remember how we met.”  To my great surprise, he recounted a bicycle ride when he was age10 and being stopped by a little boy who asked for a friend!    Of course, my wonderful childhood friend was Clark!  It had always been and always would be Clark.  

As we all know, Clark was a friend to all of us who loved him.  It wasn’t that he would just give it up to anybody, it’s that he carefully “blended” his friends and you would be considered one if the blender was set on the right setting.  Mix, Blend.  Or, Grate, Crush.

He was a consummate professional and so knowledgeable!  Clark really could have become a major league spokesperson, statistician, political and music historian… and those are just a few of the things that I loved so much about my friend Clark.  Through the years I scratched and clawed my way into the music industry.  Clark was a major influence in my life to help me make it, as Clark might say, from the minors to major league artists  CONTINUED...



Clark is going to be greatly missed.  He was always helpful and kind.  Hopefully we may see him again someday.  

RIP Clark.... Thank you for letting me hang out in your work shop when I was a kid. You tought me alot of things during the summer months. You were cut from a different cloth and marched to your own beat. I hope you are listening to some deep purple on a beach in another universe. No more pain for you sir. Here is to infinity :)

Clark was one of our first friends we made in the neighborhood.  We will all miss Clark  including our two sons. I know he will be embarrassed  in the after life with the same kindness he showed us !!!  Just wished he could have lived long enough to enjoy retiring.  He is only gone in his physical presence. He will always be present in our minds. Just wished we could have done more to help him live longer. Bless our friend !!!

Went to school at the Conservatory off old  County line Rd. With Clark one year, so sorry to hear the passing of Clark, also bought a jeep from Homer       ROD. ZINN

I met Clark while working at Publix. Clark would come in three times a week to have me make his sub. We always had great conversations about Rock and Roll. He had a fascinating memory. A few months ago Clark came to see me after his stay in the hospital from surgery.  He told me the bad news then. I will really miss Clark.

First time I met Clark, my brother Wes and I were flying small wire controlled airplanes at Prospect Field.  He and cousin Lindsey were trying to knock the aircraft down with oranges at the field edge.  Despite that unusual beginning, it led to a 53 year long friendship that lasted.  He was my best friend.  His mom would probably like the new Jeep I drive and then chew me out for not buying one from Homer before he retired.  I'll miss my friend Clark.  And I see him every time I hear the Guess Who playing Clark's favorite "No Sugar Tonight."  Here is Clark celebrating his 67th birthday watching reruns of the St Louis Cardinals winning the series as COVID19 prevented anything new on the tube.

. Clark was a wonderful neighbor, And friend to me and my family
 We have shared the good and bad times -over many years   I hadn’t been able to see him as much after I moved away from Sarasota- but I will
Miss him greatly. Rest Clark

OBITUARY

Wayne Clark Woodruff

March 17, 1953 – June 28, 2020

Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center

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