Deacon Willie “Donnie” Clark, Sr.

Deacon Willie Clark, Sr., affectionately known as “Donnie,” was born on January 24, 1928, in Coatopa, Alabama, to the late Alex Clark and Mary Elizabeth Hudson Clark.

Willie peacefully transitioned at his home in Bellamy, Alabama, on February 23, 2026, at the remarkable and blessed age of 98. All off his siblings are deceased. He was truly the last of his kind!

Willie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby Lee Russell; his parents, Alex Clark and Mary Elizabeth Hudson Clark; his brother, James Clark; his sisters, Alice Clark Dallas and Lureana Clark Bradley; his cherished daughter, Mary J. Cox; two sons-in-law, Robert Dennis and James Gilmore; and one daughter-in-law, Ruby Nell Clark.

A life well lived. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years.” Psalm 90:10

Willie began his working years as a farmer and cattleman, embracing the value of hard work and dedication. He later became a Lumber Inspector at American Can Company, where he faithfully served for 40 years.

In his early years, he met and married the love of his life, Ruby Lee Russell. From this blessed union came ten beautiful children, each raised to be respectful and God-fearing, carrying forward the strong values their parents instilled in them.

Willie deeply loved his wife and family, and that same love extended to his neighbors and community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand — whether sharing the harvest from his fields, cutting and delivering firewood during the cold winter months to warm both bodies and grateful hearts, or repairing broken vehicles with his skilled hands as a gifted mechanic. His generosity was not just seen in what he gave, but in the kindness and care with which he gave it.

Willie gave his life to Christ at an early age, embracing the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 12:1 to remember his Creator in the days of his youth. He began his walk of faith at Bucks Chapel and later became a dedicated member of Hixon Baptist Church. Within the walls of his church, he faithfully served as a Deacon and committed servant of the Lord until his health began to decline, but his trust in God never wavered.

In addition, he was also a proud member of the Masonic Order. Above all, he was known as a God-fearing man — a loyal supporter of his church, a devoted provider and protector of his family, and, as many would say with a smile, a true hustler.

In his leisure time, Willie loved playing dominoes — and he was a master at the table. His skills were known far and wide, and opponents often approached the game with both respect and caution. Warm-hearted and full of humor, Willie enjoyed teasing his competitors, and on the rare occasion he was defeated, he would simply laugh it off and prepare for the next round.

Those left to cherish his long, well-lived, and beautiful life are his ten children: Sade Dennis of Bellamy, Alabama; Willie Clark, Jr. (Chris) of Canton, Ohio; Jenny Gilmore of Los Angeles, California; James E. Clark (Lynn) of Bellamy, Alabama; W.B. Clark (Roberta) of Livingston, Alabama; Roger Clark of Birmingham, Alabama; Tyrone Clark, Sr. (Debra) of Emelle, Alabama; Nathan Clark (Ethel) of Butler, Alabama; Isreal Clark (Cheryl) of Tupelo, Mississippi; and Christine Russell of Coatopa, Alabama; and a son in law, Emile Cox.

He also leaves to cherish his memory 42 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 58 great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends who will truly miss him.