MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton, Barnett, Caughman, Blackwell, Blount, Chassaniol, Dearing, Fillingane, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF LONGTIME DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL LARRY EDMOND CLARK OF BRANDON, MISSISSIPPI, AND COMMENDING HIS LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO HIS STATE.
WHEREAS, Larry Clark lived a life of integrity and was a perfect example of a public servant. He passed away on July 10, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Larry was born October 4, 1947, the second of three sons of John Smith Clark and Mamie Craft Clark of Mize, Smith County, Mississippi. Larry attended Taylorsville High where he was a promising football quarterback; McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee; and graduated from Ellisville High School in 1965. At Millsaps College, Larry was a member and officer of Kappa Alpha Order. He graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and then attended the University of Mississippi School of Law where he was a member of Moot Court, graduating in 1972. After active duty training in the United States Army Reserve, he returned to Smith County to practice law; and
WHEREAS, the Smith County School Board retained Larry as attorney, setting him on a career-long path of interest and expertise in education and county government. Several of Larry's cases, including Tally v. Smith County Board of Supervisors, went to the Mississippi Supreme Court. The publicity from those successful cases led to the passage of important legislation by the Legislature in 1978, which protected the sixteenth section trust lands from many abuses; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, Larry took a position as an Assistant Attorney General for Mike Moore. Larry remained with the AG's office for more than 12 years, heading the Opinions section, representing the State Auditor, Department of Audit, and the Mississippi Ethics Commission, before rising to the position of Deputy Attorney General over civil matters. Larry embodied a public servant. He mentored hundreds of young attorneys. After retirement from state employment, Larry practiced law for several years with Watkins Ludlam and then Purdie & Metz Law Firm, where he returned to his passion, public education, representing the Simpson County School Board; and
WHEREAS, Larry had a strong and abiding faith and was a longtime member of Northminster Baptist Church, where he often taught Sunday School. Larry was deeply, deeply loved by his family and his many, many friends. Larry was predeceased by his parents; his dear aunt and uncle, Polly and Charles Clark; and his father-in-law, Eugene Polk. He is survived by his wife, Judy; and his daughters: Anne Clark Crader (Chris), Brynna Clark (Johnny DeMarsico) and Lauren Clark Ziegler (Alex). He was the proud grandfather of Benton Crader and Abigail Crader. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: John, Janet, Eric and Karan; mother-in-law, Edith Polk; brother-in-law, Brinson Polk; sister-in-law, Sherrye Polk Brame; 10 nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews; and
WHEREAS, Larry consistently lectured on professional standards of the practice, including ethics, integrity, civility, courtesy and adherence to the Golden Rule. Larry's life honored both The Mississippi Bar and this great state that he loved and served:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to the bereaved family of longtime Deputy Attorney General Larry Edmond Clark of Brandon, Mississippi, and commend his life of public service to this state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Larry Clark, forwarded to the Attorney General, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.