Tommy "Tom" Gerald Clark

Tom G. Clark of Dunwoody GA, devoted husband, beloved dad and dedicated servant of the Lord passed away on January 11, 2024 after a 5 month fight with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer of which there is no cure. Although Tom had a very successful career in commercial real estate, his sense of humor and constant dedication of service and ministry for God is what will be most remembered by all who knew him.

Tom is survived by Marilyn Towns Clark, his wife of 60 years, his son Christopher G. Clark of Marina Del Rey CA, his brother James (Jimmy) Clark of Griffin GA, sisters-in-law Linda Towns Gilbert and Cherrie Towns Stinchcomb of Griffin, brother-in-law Wayne Stinchcomb of Griffin and multiple nieces and nephews, some of whom saw him like another father.

Tom Clark was born in Griffin GA on June 10, 1940 and started his adult life earlier than most. At age 16 had to go to work at a local cotton mill to help support his family while still going to high school. He wanted to play football but the need to support his family had to come first. It was there, in a Griffin High School Math class, that he got to know Marilyn, the woman sitting behind him, who later became his wife.

Tom always worked hard to support his family and this brought him business success. He was such a hard worker during high school that management at the mill took notice. He eventually worked his way up through to the accounting department and was given a better job opportunity in Cleveland Ohio. It wasn’t long before he was recruited back to Cedartown Georgia, for an even better opportunity. Tom & Marilyn eventually moved back to Atlanta where he began work for Regenstein’s, a local women’s clothing chain, keeping the books. While there, he was also attending night school at Georgia State part- time to get his college degree. Over the years, Tom held various management positions for a number of companies within HartMarx including Vice President of the Zachary men’s clothing store chain, president of the JPAllen women’s clothing chain and VP of Real Estate Development for Kuppenheimer, before becoming an independent commercial real estate agent. He loved real estate and was still closing deals just weeks before he was diagnosed with brain cancer.

In his 40s, Tom & Marilyn were unable to have children of their own so they sought to adopt. They were given a son who they named Christopher at 2 days old. Tom & Marilyn loved their son dearly and could always be found in the stands cheering him on at baseball and basketball games. Tom worked hard because he always wanted to support his family and so his son could have the life he never had himself.

Although his career was successful, it was nothing compared to the light he brought into his personal life and the lives of others. Up until his death, he was even still caring for his brother Jimmy from afar. Tom loved kids and they loved him. He loved being playful and always had a smile on his face. His nieces and nephews think of him as a big kid at heart but also a loving father figure.

Tom had a great sense of humor, a big sweet tooth and he loved being outside working in the yard. Even into his 80’s, he could always be found raking leaves or picking up limbs. It was great to see him in the yard at home because he was a terrible driver. In his earlier years, he loved playing tennis and was an avid runner, even running several of the early Peachtree Road Races in Atlanta. He loved to smoke and grill meats and no holiday would be complete without his smoked sausages. He always led the prayer at family gatherings and his family will miss his tradition of reading the Christmas story aloud before opening presents.

In his final months, Tom was able to help plan and celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Marilyn, who cared for him until his death. At the end of his life, he talked about the deep love he felt from her care. He was also able to spend lots of quality time just talking with his son, of whom he was always proud.

Throughout his life, the one constant was Tom’s love of God. Tom, Marilyn & Chris were members for years at First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs where they met many of their long time friends. He was actively involved in the CBMC for years and in recent years, would work with the God Mobile at various fairs around the state to witness and introduce people to Christ. He was a constant witness for God and his belief was unwaivering. His phone is full of scriptures, his office was full of spiritual books, and in his final days, he found peace listening to what he would call his “praise music.” There are many people who I am sure were waiting for him when he got to heaven, just to say thank you for leading them there.

We will miss him as a husband, as a dad, a brother and as an uncle but we know there is a special place for him reserved in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Today, Tom can finally hear the words he has waited to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Well done. Tom’s faith is now his legacy.

Funeral services for Tom Clark will be held Monday, January 15, 2024 at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs after which he will be cremated. Visitation will be held from 11am-1pm prior to the funeral at HM Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel funeral home in Sandy Springs, for close friends, family and anyone wishing to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to God Mobile GA, the organization Tom served for many years, by going to https://www.givesendgo.com/GodMobileGA/donate.

To make a donation to God Mobile by mail, send to:

God Mobile

c/o Wednesday Warriors

170 West Oaks Pl

Woodstock, GA 30188