Rev. Willie J. Clark Obituary in Belle Glade at Camel Funeral Home

Obituary For Rev. Willie J. Clark

SUNRISE

Rev Willie Jacob Clark was born on April 27th, 1935 to the late Lucious and Laura Mae Clark in Chipley
(presently Pine Mountain), Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Alexander Clark, George Clark, Ellis Clark, Isaac Clark, Esau
Clark, Laura Bell Tucker, Lillian Thomas, and Bessie Lee Clark.
Rev. W. J. Clark was educated in the Harris County Public School System.
At an early age, he became a member of the Bethany Baptist Church. He remained a member of the
ministry throughout the course of his life.
In 1956, Rev. W. J. Clark was led to move from Chipley to Atlanta Georgia.
In 1958, while working at an ice plant, he met and befriended a gentleman by the name of John
Burgess. It is through this friendship that he met John’s sister, Anna B Burgess. They were joined in Holy
matrimony shortly after and she remained the love of his life for 66 years before her passing in October
of 2024.
To this union, ten children were born.
Rev W. J. Clark was preceded in death by his daughters, Sterling and Special H. Clark.
Rev. W. J. Clark and Lady Anna Clark were constantly serving in ministry and were very intentional
about having their children rooted and grounded in the Word.
In 1964, Rev. W. J. Clark was licensed as a minister. From that very moment, he began receiving
preaching engagements from various Pastors. Many ministries were inspired by his preaching and those
without a leader began inquiring about his interest in becoming a Pastor.
In 1967, Rev. W. J. Clark was called to his first pastorate, Mt Beulah Baptist Church in LaGrange, GA. He
served as the leader for 14 years. It was here in this ministry that he licensed and ordained his first son
in the ministry, Dr. Harvey L. Jones. A special bond of sonship was created that has always remained.
In 1970, Rev. W. J. Clark became the Senior Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Duluth, GA. He served
as the leader for 5 years.
In 1975, Rev. W. J. Clark became the Senior Pastor of St John Baptist Church in Newnan, GA. He served
as the leader for 20 years.

In 1981, Rev. W. J. Clark became the Senior Pastor of Enon Baptist Church in College Park, GA. He served
as the leader for 12 years.
In 1994, Rev. W. J. Clark became the Senior Pastor of Flat Rock Baptist Church in Waverly Hall, GA. He
served as the leader for 20 years.
In 1995, Rev. W. J. Clark was given the vision to start Greater New Life Baptist Church. This ministry was
the birthing place for many ministers that were licensed and ordained under his leadership.
Over his decades of leadership, Rev. W. J. Clark led each ministry through great periods of growth and
change; whether it was through building projects, community events or evangelism opportunities.
During his years of pastoring, Rev. W. J. Clark was a well sought after evangelist. He traveled the country
doing multiple revivals and special engagements. His conviction and passion for preaching could be felt
in every sermon. Through his effective preaching and teaching of the Word, a plethora of lives were
impacted and many were led to Christ.
In 1992, Rev. W. J. Clark was given the honor of being the keynote speaker for the annual Bro. Edmond
Patterson’s caravan program, which brought Pastors and churches together from all around.
In recognition of his years of service and knowledge of the Word of God, Rev. W. J. Clark was presented
with an honorary doctorate degree by Dr. Harvey L. Jones and the Gospel Outreach Theological
Seminary in Dallas Texas.
In 2014, after much prayer, Rev W. J. Clark retired from his post as Senior Pastor of Flat Rock Baptist
Church.
After retiring from Pastoring, he continued to accept preaching engagements until his health challenges
would no longer allow him to do so.
Rev. W. J. Clark’s rich legacy of leadership and preaching has left an undeniable footprint in the earth
and a worthy example that has been embraced by not only the ministers in his family, but by ministers
all over the country.
His rich heritage shall continue to be lived out by his family and the masses whom lives he has touched.

Sunset

On Friday, March 6th, God called Rev. W. J. Clark from labor to reward. His life was a reflection of the
hymn that he would so often sing, “Servant of God well done, rest from thy loved employ, the battle has
been fought and the victory is won, enter thy Master’s joy!”

Although Rev. W. J. Clark’s earthly mission and journey has come to an end, his great legacy shall live on
through his nine children, Derek B. Clark (Tawardo), Willie A. Clark, Deborah M. Watkins, Reginald A.
Clark (Pastor Renee), Frederick Clark, Pastor Freda R. Gates (Pastor Jarvis), Pastor Benjamin J. Clark,
Andrew P. Clark, and Felicia D. Clark; 15 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great
Grandchildren, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

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