Ray Clark

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Joe Raymond “Ray” Clark, 94, of Springfield, Missouri, member of Sunset Church of Christ departed this life on Saturday, June 3, 2023 peacefully at Quail Creek Skilled Nursing Facility. The family is forever grateful for the kindness and compassion shown at Quail Creek, Spring House Assisted Living, and Integrity Hospice.

Ray was born in Anderson, Missouri, on October 17, 1928 to his parents, the late Ern and Mary Catherine Clark. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved brother, William Jack Clark. 

Ray was a graduate of Anderson High School and his excellence and love of athletics was showcased at an early age, competing on undefeated basketball and baseball teams across southwest Missouri and the country. While attending Drury University, Ray was signed by the Boston Red Sox. The New York Yankees bought out his contract to play short stop. His signing bonus was larger than Mickey Mantle. An unfortunate injury cut short his baseball career, but it was a source of pride throughout his life. He loved music, and played the harmonica, and if anyone was playing the piano, he would gladly join in with his lovely baritone voice. Ray sang with a traveling gospel quartet as a young man. With two partners, Ray started Excel Manufacturing where he worked until retirement. Ray was an avid outdoorsman and spent a great deal of time fishing and hunting in Arkansas and Missouri. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution and loved studying family genealogy.

His greatest source of pride came from his family, and his devotion to his family shines through in each member of the Clark family. He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His wife of over fifty-four years, Ann Clark, brought great joy, love, and patience to his life. They were devoted and loving partners through life and brought enjoyment and happiness to those who were around them.

Ray is survived in death by his daughter Raylene Appleby, husband David Appleby, sons Max Clark and wife Nicee, Michael Ray Clark and Hugo Molina, Richard Mark Clark and wife Jacqueline. Grandchildren; Michael Joe Clark (deceased) and wife Heather, Tiffany Ann Brunner, husband Matthew, Jerod Clark Caywood, Braden Trevor Clark, wife Kelsey, Caleb Wren Clark and James Risenhoover. Great grandchildren; Alex Wade Carlson, Brady Ray Carlson, Murphy Marie Brunner, Hayden Orion Clark, Shaylee Lehigh Clark, Reed Carson Clark, and Lillian Juniper Rowan Clark. He is also survived by two cousins, Earlene Mills and Janice Breshears, and a nephew Dick Clark and niece Tandi Davis and their families.

 

Ray Clark will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and loved ones. His Christian faith has given his family comfort knowing he was greeted in Heaven and is home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ray Clark Memorial Baseball Fund, established to benefit the McDonald County High School Baseball program, c/o Dick Clark, P.O. Box 335, Goodman, Missouri, 64843.

A visitation will be held Saturday, June 10th, at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 10:00 a.m. at the Ozark Funeral Home, Anderson, Missouri. Burial will follow in the Anderson Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri.