Bill Clark

Bill Clark was one of a kind – a husband, a father, a friend, a lawyer, a captain, a pilot, a rancher, a politician, a man’s man, a ladies’ man, and a world traveler. In his own words, he “did more things once than he ever dreamed possible”. William Thomas Clark was born in Tyler, Texas on Texas Independence Day (March 2nd) in 1946 to A.D. Clark, Jr. and Virginia Skeen Clark. He passed away at his beloved home on Saturday December 12th, 2015 at the age of 69. Mr. Clark was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, the University of Texas and Baylor Law School. He represented Tyler in the Texas House of Representatives from 1975-1982 and practiced law in Tyler throughout his life. After graduating from Baylor Law and before taking a seat at the Texas House of Representatives, he spent months backpacking through South America and Europe. Throughout his life, he was always looking to satisfy his wanderlust. Whether it was boating and sport fishing all the way from Nova Scotia to Venezuela through Panama then Mexico to Alaska, or hunting wild game on an African safari, or flying his airplane through the clouds, he was always ready for a new adventure and he always had his sights set on something just beyond the horizon. At his side was the person he cherished above anything else, his wife of 28+ years, Andi Clark. Bill and Andi traveled the world together. Man vs. nature was Bill’s mantra and he had great respect for the outdoors. His latest passion was raising exotic animals and farming on their ranch in West Texas. Although his life was tragically cut short, some would say he lived passionately enough for three lifetimes. He is missed greatly and will be remembered for his spirit and zest for life. He is survived by his loving family including his wife of 28 years, Andi Clark of Whitehouse, son Matthew Thomas Clark of New Orleans; and daughter Meredith Virginia Clark of Houston; sisters, Nancy Miller Clark of Tyler, Jenny Clark and her husband Greg Ortiz of Tyler; brother, A.D. Clark III and wife Judge Carole Clark of Tyler. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Skeen Clark, his father, A.D. Clark Jr. and his step-mother, Bernice McDaniel “Bee” Clark. Memorial services for Bill Clark will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler with Danny Davis officiating. At the family’s request, the dress code will be jeans and boots to honor Bill’s style. Preceding the memorial will be a private graveside service for family and close friends at Rose Hill Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Clark, AD Clark III, Kelly Richey, Peter Langsjoen, Danny Davis, Todd Cruthird, Clif Westbrook, Greg Ortiz, Lee Fisher, Robert Gee, Coye Conner, Chris Ewert, John Stephenson, Matt Stephenson, Chuck Stephenson, Neil Kennemer, Jack Skeen, and David Hudson. If desired, memorials may be made to Smith County SPCA, P. O. Box 132899, Tyler, Texas 75713 or a charity of your choice.

Bill Clark

March 2, 1946 - December 12, 2015