David Henry Clark, known affectionately as "Ducky," passed away on March 21, 2024, at the age of 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Lee Clark and Alta Ola Clark nee Morris; three sisters, Evelyn "Teddy" Martin, Lee Ola Minor, and Gracie Mae Pumphrey; and his brother and best friend, Bobby Joe Clark.

David and Bobby Joe were entrepreneurs from an early age.  They were known to purchase ice cream at the local creamery for a nickel and sell it to soldiers as they came through on the troop train for fifteen cents.  After a traveling reptile show came to town, he and Bobby Joe were paid by the show's proprietor to dispose of an alligator carcass.  They hauled it to the strip pits and stuffed it in the entrance of a coal mine.  Months later after a heavy rain, the alligator's remains surfaced and floated down the Illinois Bayou.  Thus, the original legend of the Bona Dea alligator was born.

After graduating from Russellville High School in 1950, David served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  After his tour of duty, he caught a ride home from Seoul with the U.S. Navy due to his aversion to flying.  After returning to Russellville, David attended Arkansas Polytechnic College, now known as Arkansas Tech University, but was always quick to let you know that he hated every minute he spent in a classroom.  This was a value he instilled in his son and grandson.

He began his career as a body man and ultimately opened Clark Body Shop.  During his working years, his body shop was a meeting place for his friends and customers.  He loved to tell stories and was even interviewed in an episode of the 1980s television series "Real People" featuring local character Al Thomas and his spaceship.  If he wasn't at the body shop, you could find him surrounded by friends having coffee or lunch at the Little Model Café, Hob Nob, Ranch House, Old South or PDQ East.  It wasn't unusual for him to find his next dog waiting on a handout at one of these places as well.

He was the unofficial historian of Russellville and its people.  When he first met someone, he always asked "Who are your people?"  He always knew your people and your people's people.  He also knew where they lived, where they worked, and what they drove.  His knowledge and memory of all things Russellville was unmatched.

David was the mayor of goodwill and practical jokes and a modern-day Moses, frequently saying, "There ought to be a law against . . . ."  With a mischievous grin, David approached life with a zest and zeal that was infectious to all who knew him.

He touched the lives of those around him.  His generosity knew no bounds, and his home and front porch were always open to friends and family in search of laughter and conversation.  David didn't just know everyone in town – he genuinely cared about them, forging deep and lasting connections wherever he went.

You would have loved him.

He leaves behind a family who adored him, including his wife of 52 years, Jaynie Skelton Clark; son and daughter in law, Jim and Lisa Clark; daughter and son in law, Kristin Clark Fowler and Tommy Fowler; grandchildren, Connor David Murdoch, Josh Perks, and Haley and Kevin Brashear; brothers and sisters in law, Paul Skelton, Bill Skelton, Lynn Skelton, and Bonnie Clark; a multitude of nieces and nephews, and many friends who became family.

He may be gone, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

The family wishes to express our gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion provided to David by his doctors and caregivers.  Your kindness and support extended beyond his medical needs, profoundly touching our family, especially in the difficult moments following his passing.  Your empathy and understanding have been a great comfort to us, and we are truly thankful for you.

A private burial will be held at St. Paul First United Methodist Church in the Gravel Hill Community under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville, followed by a gathering of friends at Shinn Funeral Service on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A large crowd at the entrance to Shinn Funeral Service always made quite an impression on him as he considered that to be a sign of a life well lived.  All family and friends are invited to attend as we know this would bring a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Manna House, a ministry of the First United Methodist Church, 304 South Commerce Ave., Russellville, AR  72801.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .