Mr. Clark will be long remembered. He and his wife were a very large and influential part of my youth.

Nell,
Lots of good memories, family stories, good books, and excellent meals.
Virginia Clark

Class of 1969
I have always thought that Douglas County was so fortunate to have both Mr. and Mrs. Clark come to teach there.  I must admit I struggled through senior English in his class but enjoyed the challenge.  
Many years later I was the media specialist in the school his grandchildren attended so I got to know him and Nell in their retirement years when they volunteered at school.
I can’t remember ever seeing him when he wasn’t wearing a tie….
Thank you Mr. Clark for the difference you made in so many lives.

The Clarks have been an institution in Douglas County, especially at DCHS. Their impact was immeasurable with all the lives they touched. My mind is overflowing with memories of being in class, and all the books I read that I wouldn't have otherwise.  God blessed us with Mr. Clark. May God continue to bless Mrs. Clark. My Prayers will be with you.

I am sorry for your loss, but what a long life Mr. Clark lived. He was the division head at DCHS when I was hired in 1976, and no matter what he thought about this wild, young, fresh from college girl who came into his department, he treated me with the utmost respect. He was already a legend at DCHS, and as a teacher, the students loved and feared him (for he never missed a grammar mistake), and he set the example for me as a first year teacher. I worked there for nine years, and taught at three more high schools, but never did I have a better division head or teacher model than Mr. Clark. I learned from him  the way we should be as teachers; we should demonstrate decorum, know our subject area throughly, and expect and demand high expectations.  He was a memorable man. Thank you for all you did for the many students you taught and gave of your time, and for what you did for me.

As I reflect on my brother's life and having read the abundance of  magnanimous commentaries from his friends and especially his former students, they affirm what I knew about Bill's life.  it was one of supreme giving, whether it was through teaching; helping others; contributing to the Church in various ways, including serving as organist; or supporting the family.  During this time of grief, I inevitably turn to my childhood.  I think of our parents, Charlie and Jessie Lee Grant Clark.  They raised their children on a foundation of ethical engagement and a strong emphasis on education.  They sacrificed much to make possible for us to achieve all that we could.  If they could somehow read the students' statements, they would be overjoyed at how highly Bill was regarded.  Rest in peace, dear brother.

Mr. Clark was a lover of literature and he shared that with every student that crossed his path. The red markings on our papers were dreaded, but we now know it was because he wanted our best.  We worked together at Mercer for a few years, and he was so very kind and helpful to everyone he would meet.  Mrs. Clark, my sincere condolences to you and your family. A true teaching legend has left us, only to be greeted by his Father.
Rebecca Wheeler
1977

The impact that Bill Clark had on Douglas County is immeasurable.  He was my senior English teacher at DCHS; he instilled a great love of literature in my heart and I became a high school English teacher myself. Countless others have similar stories concerning Bill’s influence  on their lives. Bill, however, was not the only Clark who I saw as a role model; I met Nell when I became a member of the Lithia Springs  High English dept. in the late ‘70’s.  I saw her as a mentor during those early days of teaching.  I’m so grateful to have crossed paths with these two lovely people.  Nell, may God hold you in the palm of His hand as you begin this new and difficult journey.

Mr. Clark was one of the best teachers I ever had. God bless the family as you grieve. He was respected and loved by most, if not all, of his students. He will be missed!

By far, the best teacher I ever had. He was tough, but he challenged me like no other teacher ever did. His love for the written word drove my love of English literature and poetry. He is the reason I chose a career in writing. Thank you Mr Clark for helping me  become the person I am, and for enjoying a successful career as a writer. Rest in Peace, Job Well Done!

I had the honor of being in Mr Clark’s class his first year at DCHS. He was tough, demanding, but he was fair and interested in his students success. I had the utmost respect for Mr Clark, he was an amazing teacher and person. I remember how happy he was for me when I received my Acceptance Letter to The University of Georgia. Of course, I still had to pass his class to graduate which he reminded me of often. Later, I would on occasion see the Clarks in the grocery, drugstore or a restaurant. It was always a pleasure to see and speak with them.  Great couple, wonderful. 

God Bless the Family. You had a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and role model. 

Danny McIntosh, DCHS 1968

I was saddened to hear about Mr. Clark’s passing. He and Mrs Clark gave so much to our community and education. There are so many fond memories with such a lovely family. 
May your memories bring you comfort and peace. 
In Love, 
Tammy Law

Mrs.Clark, 
It was a pleasure to know you as my teacher! But to get to know you  and Mr. Bill , later when we were both attending the same church was something that will be with me forever! God bless you and your family.

Doris Jamieson
Class 1970

Nell and family,

Please accept our condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

I journeyed the halls of DCH from ‘76-‘80 and was blessed with a group of very good English teachers… Mr Clark being one of them 
He demanded respect not so much for himself I think but for the institution and the privilege of learning 
He was the kind of teacher/ man that one appreciates more as time goes by .. Education and her students bid farewell to a great one

This is my most recent picture of us together.  Bill was always so polite and pretended to be interested, even if he were not!     My favorite memory of all time,  was Bill playing the piano down at St. Mary Methodist church while I stood by, singing with all my heart.

Mr. Clark was the kind of teacher movies are made…kind of like Mr. Holland’s Opus. After a student went through senior English at DCHS under his guise, they’d never be the same or forget him. As an 18 year old senior (1977-78), I know I did not truly appreciate all the care he took to instruct and guide us to better execute the English language, but now as a retired middle school language arts teacher, I truly appreciate the time it must have taken him to carefully write in the rule number from the Harbrace Handbook for each mistake in grammar and usage on our papers.  I thought of him often over the years…sometimes even saying to myself, “What would Mr. Clark do?” 
     To the family, especially to Ricky (who was a classmate and friend), I send my deepest condolence at this time when you’ve lost a dear loved one. My own dad passed away in February of 2022, so I understand the loss you must feel. He also left behind his wife (my mother) of 64 years. The place he held in our family was one of love, gratitude, and respect. All of these, I imagine you must feel in your loss as he was a husband, father, grandfather, cousin, or uncle. Now, you all have the memories of a man who held such a special place in your lives for so many years. ❤️

Prayers for peace to Mrs. Nell Clark, Rick, Renee and their families.  He was such a sweet man.

I have often thought about Mr. Clark over the years. He was a wonderful teacher. There wasn't any one who could take his place.  So sorry to hear about him passing.
Ricky yr classmates from Douglas County High Class of 78 sends many prayers for you and your mother we are thinking of you. 
Renee Burdette.

Probably the hardest teacher I’ve ever had. Also the teacher that cared the most for his students and one who taught me so much. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of making an A than I was when I was in Mr. Clark’s class. He taught me how to appreciate a good book and how to write a good paper. Because of his love for teaching so many students at Douglas County High School were able to sail through freshman English in college. I always loved spending time with him and Mrs. Clark when they came to our family’s restaurant the Rock Inn. They were such kind people and I’m keeping their family in my prayers tonight.

I was not only privileged to have Mr. Clark as a wonderful neighbor, but also to have him as my Sr English teacher. I was not a good reader and did not like reading. One afternoon, Mr. Clark started passing out the assigned book to be read. I preceded to “inform” him that I could not read that book because it was beaten up and old. He smiled and said, “you’ll just have to take that one.” The next day he walked over to my desk, placed a brand new book on my desk and said, “now, you can read it.” I did and  The Grapes of Wrath has forever been my favorite book. Thank you Mr. Clark for caring.

While I did not have the honor of having Mr. Clark as a teacher, my late brother, Grady Michael Carder had him for Senior English. Mike thought very highly of Mr. Clark and believed that having him in high school made college English much easier. Mr. Clark was a legend at Douglas County high school. I worked with his son Ricky for many years at Six Flags. My condolences to his family and the many people who Mr. Clark had an impact on during his many years of teaching.

Mr. Clark was such a kind and even-keeled teacher when I met him as a freshman at DCHS. He loved words and the magic they worked on the imagination. Prayers for his family and adieu to a great teacher.

in loving memory of william r clark our beloved brother  rest in peacej    june and jim cole

Mr. Clark was an amazing educator and it was always a joy to see he and his lovely wife walking at the mall for their exercise. His spirit and smile will always remain with us….Arubra Hembree Gardner

It is with a bit of sadness that we send our heart felt condolences to you and your family. We got to know both of you for a short time and we appreciate your friendship. Our prayer being sent your way today is may the Lord bless and keep you close. May his care and love be with you now and in the coming day. Lifting you up in our prayer today. Richard and Della Black

Dear Nell,

I'm really enjoying comments by Bill's students who were inspired by him to love literature and poetry. What a great legacy! On our trips to visit you and Bill, Virginia and I always came home with a bag of books and a desire to read them. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I love you.

Tom Rozier
Winchester, TN

Mr. Clark was a wonderful teacher. His teaching ability gave me the confidence to do well in undergraduate and graduate school where writing and thinking are so important. He was respected by colleagues and students. I am truly sorry for the loss to Mrs. Clark, their son, and all other family. He left enduring memories for so many. My thoughts are with each of you.
Pamela Gilland Bond, 
Class of 1969

I had many good teachers in school, but Mr. Clark was in an excellent class all by himself. He inspired me to become an English major in college and cultivated a love of literature that is with me to this day. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

I am so sorry to hear about Bill. He was a wonderful man and an excellent teacher. He mentored me at Douglas County and was a shining example of what a good teacher should be. He became a good friend as we taught together for years. My favorite memory is taking our seniors to the Academy Thester to see The Canterbury Tales. It got very risqué and we slid down in our seats. The kids loved it, of course. We looked at each other and said we were going to get fired. He was a joy to know. I will pray for his family as I know how much he will be missed.

Prayers going out to the family of Mr. Bill Clark!
He was a longtime friend and colleague!  He was revered by many for being an outstanding educator.  He & Nell were true examples of a living relationship for others to admire.    May he RIP 🙏❤️😘 in Heaven until we all meet again!
God Bless his family!

Rest in Peace, Mr. Clark. A wonderful teacher, who cared about me and taught me so much as a student.  After I became a teacher and Coach, I would see him at Douglas County teacher Conferences. He was always so kind with his words and gracious with his time.  We need more educators like Mr. Bill Clark. He will be missed! Mike Dennis. DCHS, Class of 1974.

I had the utmost respect for Mr. Clark. There was to be no mischief in his class and his discipline for our studies has served us all well. He was also very supportive of my mother as a colleague and I know she appreciated it every day. He will be terribly missed.
Courtney Campbell ‘74

I loved Mr. Clark. I made A’s in all of my Lit classes in college because I had him for two years. I’m a member of the class of 83. We had a story about Mr. Clark. If students were throwing paper airplanes in the class and he walked in, they would stop in mid air and fall to the ground. I spent 25 years as an elementary teacher and am now in my fourth year as a librarian. I share my love of literature with my students as he shared his love with us. Thank you Mr. Clark for the difference you made in my life. Rest with God. 
Gwin Coggins Robinson

A great teacher.  We were afraid of him although he was always approachable.  He expected us to do our best.  He loved literature.  He earned respect without demanding it.  I'm sorry for his family's loss.  I'm glad my path crossed with his.

When I was 17, Bill Clark impacted my life forever, engraving upon my mind  passages of great literature that have resonated in my soul ever since.  I am forever grateful. 

Ken Shigley
DCHS 1969

While neither one of us had Mr. Clark for English, I had Mrs. Clark at both Turner Middle School & Lithia Springs & knew Rick & Renee in school. Please know that Alan and I are so very sorry for you all's loss. We pray that our Heavenly Father wraps each of you in His loving arms and comforts you ❤️🙏🏼
Alan & Linda Sewell

I had the distinct honor of being Mr Clark’s student in his Senior English class (DCHS class of 1984).  He was so kind and helpful as a teacher which helped me tremendously after I graduated. In 1984, I had the great experience of having Mr Clark join me as we visited Mayor Andrew Young in his office in Atlanta.  My heart is filled with joy as I remember being in the presence with two of the most incredible men I have ever met.  Our deeply condolences to Mrs. Clark and his family. May he rest in peace. Bill and Beth Hembree.

The staff of Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park would like to extend our most sincere condolences to the  Clark family. We would like to thank you for entrusting the care of your loved one into our hands. Please remember you are not alone and we will always be here for you.

When I look back on my high school years, I will always remember Mr. Clark as one of my favorite teachers. He is responsible for my love of English literature and poetry. I will never forget him. 
 
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this time of loss. 
 
Joy Whetstone McCoy
DCHS Class of 1974

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William Richard Clark

1 janvier 1930 – 4 septembre 2023

Whitley Garner At Rosehaven Funeral Home & Rose Haven Cemetery

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