Donald Russell Clark, age 85 of Port Royal, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 3, 2021.
He was born September 14, 1935, in Bumpus Mills, Tenn. to Ruth Barnett Clark and Russell Crow Clark. Don was raised in Bumpus Mills, and it always held a special place in his heart. He would often reminisce of his childhood there, and a drive through Bumpus Mills with Don was never complete without wonderful stories of friends and family who had lived there.
Don moved to Port Royal his senior year of high school, and he graduated from Clarksville High School in 1953. He then entered the military, where he served as an airman in the United States Air Force for four years before receiving an honorable discharge. After leaving the military, Don returned to Clarksville and attended Austin Peay State University, graduating with a degree in industrial arts.
While at APSU, Don met and married the love of his life, Ann Moore Martin, and together they raised three children. Never one to be idle, Don wore multiple hats throughout his life. Besides serving in the military, he was a postman, tobacco farmer and local businessman. He, along with his father, owned and operated Spring Creek Campground. Don and his wife, Ann, also opened Briar and Bean in Governor’s Square Mall in 1986.
Don loved the Lord Jesus above all else and was an active member of Living Hope Baptist church, where he served as deacon emeritus. Anyone who knew Don knew he never met a stranger. He was eager to know you, know where you came from and know if you were kin. If there was a chance you might be related, he was determined to find out. He had the gift of gab and did not let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Don loved adventure and one of his greatest hobbies was flying. He received his pilot’s license and looked for any opportunity to get into a cockpit. He was also an avid nature lover, seeing the glory of God in creation. He took great pleasure in photographing lovely flowers growing at his home or bringing his wife beautiful, handpicked bouquets.
Although Don loved adventure and travel, his heart was always at home, where he was a loving husband to Ann and beloved father and grandaddy to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his three children, Russ (Pam) Clark, Sue Ann (Doug) Martin and Marty (Liz) Clark; siblings, Gloria (Dwight) Dickson, Ted (Debby) Clark and Faye (Eddie) Miller; grandchildren, Kimberly (Jerry) Gray, Jonathan (Jessica) Clark, Kristi (Stephen) Thompson, James (Megan) Martin, Matthew Martin, Dalton Clark, Ben Clark, Abbey Clark, and his six, soon to be seven great-grandchildren, Amy Gray, Jayden Gray, Britton Clark, Hattie Clark, Annalee Thompson, Emmalynn Thompson and baby Martin.
The family will receive visitors Thursday, July 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home and Friday, July 9 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Living Hope Baptist Church.
A celebration of life service will be held Friday, July 9 at 11 a.m. at Living Hope Baptist Church with Bro. Derek Smith and Bro. Mike Madewell officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Living Hope Baptist Church or The Alzheimer’s Association, and online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com