Louie Maxwell Clark, Sr. (02-22-14)

DANIELSVILLE - Louie M. Clark, Sr., “Mr. Louie”, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 22, 2014. He was 89 years old.

Mr. Clark was born in Mitchell County, on November 25, 1924, to loving parents, Julia and Julius Clark. He was one of nine brothers and sisters that he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Louie Maxwell Clark, Jr.; brothers, Myrvin and Donald Clark; and sisters, Lee Savage, Nan McQuillan, and Jean Bultman.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II. He served aboard the USS Haynsworth DD 700 and fought in several decisive battles including Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Formosa, and Luzon. He survived his ship being hit by a kamikaze plane on April 6, 1945. He was Storekeeper First Class and Paymaster which sparked a lifelong interest in two dollar bills; in recent years, he enjoyed giving away two dollar bills to everyone he met.

Following the war, Mr. Clark attended Middle Georgia College and graduated from Florida State University. While at Middle Georgia, he met his future wife, Ann Clements. They married in 1950 had four children: Max, Jeff, Ken, and Ceci and lived in Athens until moving to Madison County in 1964. He loved his home and especially working tirelessly in his garden with his pets by his side.

Mr. Clark worked at various places over the years, including Crawford and Company, J. Swanton Ivy, and Louie Clark Real Estate Company. Mr. Clark was a noble statesman and served as State Representative in the Georgia House of Representatives for 18 years. He was able to help countless people in this role and treasured his years of public service. Mr. Clark also served in many community organizations during his life, including the Optimist Club, Madison County School Board, Board of Directors for Athens Technical School, Ila Baptist Church Deacon, and created the first Action, Inc. in Madison County. Mr. Louie will be deeply missed by the community, friends, family, and beloved pets.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ann; children, Jeff Clark, Ken Clark, and Ceci Clark Dove (Anthony); grandchildren, Louie Maxwell “Trey” Clark, III (Paige), Joanna Clark (Bryan McCall), Julia “Jenna” Dove Seagraves (Blaine), and Carrie Dove; great grandchildren Brooklyn, Jude, Holland, Brayden and Bentley; sisters Valda Goss and Ann Taylor; brother, Robert (Robbie) Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home in Danielsville on Sunday, February 23. There will be a graveside service at the city cemetery in Sale City, GA on Tuesday, February 25, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter at PO Box 453, Danielsville, GA 30633.

Lord and Stephens, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com