Rev. Johnny Clark

Johnny was a retired chief building inspector for the City of New Bern for 30 years. He served as a CAMA officer and for many years, enjoying planning and preparing for his annual conferences. Prior to his inspections service, he was a licensed, professional plumber where he went into business for himself.

He was called to preach in 1973 and ministered at the following churches: Palmetto Church in Vanceboro and White Hill F.W.B. Church in Aurora. However, he spent the last forty years preaching and ministering to his church family at Gospel Outreach Independent Baptist Church.

Johnny followed one principle: the King James, 1611 version Bible. He strongly believed you matched scripture to scripture. He loved in the following order: Jesus, wife, family. He knew and shared that Jesus was born, died, rose on the third day, and is a soon-coming King. He wasn’t afraid to witness to others. He and his Christian friends loved to have weekly breakfast meetings at The Ghent Sandwich Shop or BoJangles.

His pastimes were WWE wrestling, spending quality time as P-Pop for Jack and Bri, his grand dogs, and those sons-in-law. Although his family jokingly said “the Clark way is the hard way,” Johnny continually gave a positive attitude and lived life to the fullest with a “Let go and let God” mentality. Other than positivity, Johnny loved and adored his wife, Carolyn, and knew she would welcome him in her open arms to the street of gold.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Gaskins Clark; his parents, Albert and Dara Clark; and his brother, Billy Pitt.

He is survived by his daughters, Tracy Murphy (Greg) and Trisha Bennett (Bud); grandchildren, Brianna Cox and Jackson Bennett; sisters, Nancy Haigh (Ed) and Una Caines; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. in the Chapel. He will be laid to rest with his wife at the Gaskins Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials are to be given to Gospel Outreach Independent Baptist Church in Cove City. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Clark family.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.