MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2018 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing, Burton, Gollott, Bryan, Branning, Kirby, Frazier, Horhn, Carmichael, Tollison, Simmons (13th), Witherspoon, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 627

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF FORMER STATE AID ENGINEER JOE RALPH CLARK OF SUMMIT, MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of former State Aid Engineer Joe Ralph Clark of Summit, Mississippi, on October 14, 2017; and

     WHEREAS, Joe was a graduate of McComb High School and Mississippi State University.  He began his engineering career with the Florida Road Division in Tallahassee.  He later moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he worked for a number of engineer-related firms; and

     WHEREAS, in 1980, he began working for the State Aid Road Division, the agency responsible for building and maintaining county roads and bridges.  After a few years, he became Bridge Engineer and developed procedures for structurally rating and posting 12,000 bridges.  He developed and detailed long-span prestressed beam and concrete flat slab standard bridges and software for box culvert hydraulic analysis and curve bridge geometry.  He also administered statewide bridge inspections, including underwater inspections; and

     WHEREAS, in 1988, he was appointed State Aid Engineer by Governor Bill Allain and re-appointed by Governor Ray Mabus and Governor Kirk Fordice.  After 25 years with State Aid, he retired and began working for consultants in the Jackson, Mississippi, area and later in Huntsville, Alabama; and

     WHEREAS, Joe leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years, Senate Committee Assistant Kay W. Clark; children, Nicole Clark Orr (Stephen) and Kim Clark Craney (Rodger); grandchildren:  Claudia Orr Rosser (Charlie), Stephen Orr, Jr., Jennna Nicole Craney and Natalie Craney; and one great-granddaughter, Ruby Nicole Rosser.  Also surviving Mr. Clark is one brother, Jimmy Dale Clark; and

     WHEREAS, Joe will be sorely missed.  Joe rose up courageously and with gentlemanly honor to life's opportunities and challenges.  While he has departed this earth, his worldly impact on his many friends and family and his professional service to his state will never be forgotten:

     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 former State Aid Engineer Joe Ralph Clark of Summit, Mississippi.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Joe Clark, forwarded to the Mississippi Transportation Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.