Rev. Adolph Lamar Clark, known affectionately by all as Lamar, was called home to be with the Lord on July 15, 2023. Born on February 9, 1940, in Geneva, Alabama, Lamar was a man of unwavering faith and boundless love, who dedicated his life to serving his community and spreading the word of God.
Lamar was the son of the late Rev. Ralph Clark and Jewel Riley Clark. He was brother to the late Rev. Jimmy Clark, and cousin to the late Charles McEachin and Billy Mills. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Laverne Butler Clark, and leaves behind a family who loved him dearly.
Lamar is survived by his daughters, Alisha “Lisa” Clark Hays (Patrick) and Angela “Angie” Clark Brogdon (Bruce), his granddaughter Kirsten Hays Bean (Nolan), and his grandson Brendan Hays. His sisters-in-law, Barbara Clark Kemp and Ellie Butler (David), his nephews Brian Clark (Maryela) and Troy Butler, and his nieces Jennifer Clark, Nikki Rich (Jeff), and Sandra Brown (Buddy) will remember him fondly. Lamar’s great-nephews Aaron Clark (Shelby), Garrett Clark, Brandon Clark, Chris Brown, and Logan Rich, and great-nieces Harmony Jewel Clark, Skylar Clark, Katie Brown, and Morgan Rich will carry his memory forward, as will his great-great-nieces Kinsley and Ansley Clark. Lamar also leaves behind many cousins who were like siblings to him, including Joan Sears, Galin McEachin, Mike McEachin, Dick McEachin, Joe McEachin, Barbara Crumpler Terrell, Rhonda Crumpler, and Debbie Crumpler.
Lamar was a graduate of Bay High School in Panama City, Florida. He served as a pastor for more than 40 years in area churches in Graceville, Marianna, and Quincy, and his hometown of Geneva, Alabama. He was dedicated to his congregation and the wider community, providing spiritual guidance and comfort to all who sought it. Even after retirement from his work in the Horticulture Department and as a Human Service Worker at Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee, Florida, Lamar remained committed to his pastoral duties, embodying the very essence of a servant of God.
Lamar was a man of profound love. He loved his family, his friends, his congregation, and his community – but most of all, he loved the Lord. He was a selfless man who always put others before himself, his faith steadfast and unwavering. He had a heart as wide as a southern sky, filled with kindness and compassion.
In the words of the Apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). Lamar lived these words every day, his life a testament to his deep and abiding faith.
As we remember Lamar, we do so with love and gratitude for his life of service. We celebrate a man who was loving, selfless, and faith-filled, a true southern preacher who led by example and touched so many lives. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved and served.
We take comfort in knowing that Lamar is now reunited with his loved ones in Heaven, and while we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the knowledge that he is at peace in the arms of the Lord. As we say our earthly goodbyes to Lamar, let us remember him with joy and thanksgiving, for he has now received his heavenly reward. His was a life well-lived, a race well-run, a faith well-kept. His memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.
A Funeral Service celebrating the life of Rev. Lamar Clark will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM Central Time in the McAlpin Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Allen and Rev. John Miles officiating. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be private at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Chattahoochee, FL.
