OBITUARY Thomas C. Clark, Jr. October 23, 1940 – January 15, 2019 Thomas Crawford Clark, Jr. October 23, 1940 – January 15, 2019 Surrounded by his loving family, Thomas Crawford “Tom” Clark, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was born on October 23, 1940 in Jacksonville, Florida and was married to his best friend, the former Mary Ellen White, also of Jacksonville, Florida. He is survived by his three children: Thomas C. Clark III (Virginia); David M. Clark (Jill); and Leigh Anne Lambert (Charles); and by his 10 grandchildren: Caroline, Crawford and Cole Clark; Michael, Margaret Anne, Harrison and Courtney Clark; and Reynolds, Betsy and Thomas Lambert.
He is also survived by his brother, Richard Clark (Virginia) of Longwood, Florida, a niece, Mary Elizabeth Swanson (Robert), also of Longwood, Florida, and several cousins. Mr. Clark was preceded in death by his parents the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas “Crawford” Clark (Virginia), and his niece, Christianna Louise Clark Milam. Mr. Clark was a graduate of the University of Florida and is a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Following graduation, he was a CPA with a Jacksonville, Florida accounting firm prior to joining his wife’s family periodical distribution business in 1965. In 1970, the Clarks moved to Birmingham, Alabama in order for Mr. Clark to be President of Jefferson News Co., Inc He also owned periodical distribution businesses located in Dothan, Alabama; Albany, Georgia; and Greenville, Mississippi.
Mr. Clark was a member of the periodical distributors industry’s national trade association for a number of years, where he served as Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Clark was an active member of Cathedral Church of the Advent. He was also a member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, the Country Club of Birmingham, Willow Point Country Club, and The Study Club.
He particularly enjoyed playing golf at the Country Club of Birmingham with his many golfing buddies, where he served as Czar of the “Killer Bees” dogfight. Following his retirement, Mr. Clark was elected to the City Council of the City of Mountain Brook in 1996, where he unselfishly volunteered his time for three terms. During this time, he was President of the City Council for two years and was Chairman of the City’s Finance Committee for 12 years.
As Chairman of the Finance Committee, he spearheaded the City’s efforts that resulted in the development of Cahaba Village on Highway 280 that includes Whole Foods; the Publix on Overton Road and annexation of shops across from the Publix; and the Piggly Wiggly and other stores on River Run Road. These projects have provided and will continue to provide revenue for the City and its school system. A memorial service will be held at Cathedral Church of the Advent located at 2017 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 1:00 pm.
The family will receive friends at the Church prior to the service, commencing at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Ronald McDonald House, I700 4th Avenue South, Birmingham. AL 35205; Children’s Hospital, 1600 7th Avenue South; Birmingham 35233; or to your favorite charity.
The family of Mr. Clark would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Allen Yielding and his incredible staff for the amazing care, treatment and love provided to Mr. Clark over the past nine months.
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