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Rasul Clark Obituary

Rasul "Rocky" Clark, who was paralyzed while playing football for Blue Island's Eisenhower High School in 2000 and later fought an unsuccessful battle to keep his health insurance, died Thursday after undergoing surgery at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, a hospital spokeswoman said.


Mr. Clark, 27, of Robbins, had been in the hospital for about a week after suffering from complications related to his lungs and kidneys, said his sister, Dynetta Clark.


"He was an inspiration and he gave us good and bad times," she said. "He doesn't have to struggle or suffer anymore. He did good deeds, and we will miss him."
Published by Chicago Tribune from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Rasul Clark

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115 Entries

Uncle Mark Clark Sr.

February 17, 2025

I truly miss my nephew Reverend Rock. I always have you in my memories of the time that we shared. Love you always. Uncle Mark

Breakthrough Barrier's

Humansoul

August 16, 2017

I just watched "A WILL TO LIVE". I immediately looked up in Google to see if the insurance company helped him, only to find out he passed away. May you R.I.P and know how you are still inspiring people and touching their hearts til this very day! ALL SCHOOL SPORTS SHOULD BE BANNED IF INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR LIFETIME CHRONIC HEALRH INJURIES!!!

I. Sha'de

April 6, 2017

I just watched "Will To Live" & went to find Rocky with hopes of good news & what could I do as a person to help. My heart is broken. He was an awesome person. I commend him, his close friends, his nurses & my hat goes off to his mother. I understand that pain. He was inspiring & accomplished so much despite what he was going through. May he rest in peace & continue to encourage & inspire many more of us.

Ronnette Georges

March 18, 2017

I JUST WATCHED A WILL TO LIVE. SUCH A TRAGIC STORY. HE WAS A FIGHTER. VERY INSPIRING MAY GOD BLESS HIS SOUL

KAREN LEE

February 27, 2017

just watch the Will to Live ... He was a strong young man ... He had a heart of Gold... So sad to see RIP YOUNG MAN MUCH LOVE

Rita smitth

January 12, 2016

Rip

Andrea

August 29, 2015

I have just watched 'Will to live' what an inspiration to others! Rest in peace xx

Jan Chandler

April 8, 2015

I too have just seen 'Will To Live' and wondered how Rasul was doing....So saddened to learn of his passing. Condolences to his family and many friends. He conducted himself with honour and dignity, an example to us all. Rest easy Rocky and thank you.

Andrea Hickinbottom

December 3, 2014

Just watched Will to Live with Rockys story So saddened to hear Rocky had died My heart goes out to his mother and rest of family He was a truly inspirational young man Who will never be forgotten RIP Rocky xxx

sinead lambert

December 3, 2014

Just saw the programme Will to Live on television tonight. I looked Rocky up to see how he was doing. So saddened to hear that he has passed away. He was such an inspirational man. RIP.

Anne Reedy

September 2, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with Rocky's family and the families of all those who have lost their beloved sons and daughters. May God's grace be a source of strength and courage to carry on especially as moments of sorrow and grief grab hold. Peace, Anne Reedy (former Eisenhower sub)

Nikia Rolland

August 8, 2013

I finally got around to saying how much of an inspiration Rocky was to me. It is so hard to say goodbye to someone you love and admire. Rocky showed me the true meaning of determination and strenth. I love him and miss him very much.

cole brown

April 21, 2013

Rest in peace...rocky...you touched so many people...

Kamil William

April 20, 2013

I seen his story on tv one,.it touch me & moved me as i set and watch & cried it also pissed me off.. I wish i had know Rocky ,wish I coulda help in some way..I will remember your smile Rocky & your sprite ..gone much to early,,always kamil William

Kimberly Mullen

December 25, 2012

We will always love and miss you Rocky, but your spirit is still present with us. Ms. Annette you are an amazing woman and I admire you.

lisa correia

November 13, 2012

We needed you Rocky but God needed you more. Thank you for being such an inspiration to the world gone but will NEVER be forgotten. Ms.Annette Clark you are an amazing woman such a blessing. May God be with you and keep you. Keeping you in prayer daily...

Lisa Correia

November 13, 2012

Gone too soon you were certainly an inspiration to us all we miss you Rocky....

Dolores Turner

October 12, 2012

Keeping you in prayer

LATISHA COLE

August 22, 2012

You will forever be in our hearts.

Brandy Wilson

March 19, 2012

Rip rocky... Your story on tvone was very touching and heart felt... My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.... You are truly a angel and god sent......

Jackie Morgan

February 24, 2012

Ms. Annette Clark,

I watched your sons story on WIll to Live. It touches my heart. May God grant you the Peace the surpasses all understanding. You and Rocky showed the world what True Godly Love is even when faced with adversity, trials and tribulations. God Never fails. Thank you showing me my faults. God Bless and Keep you all the days of your Life. May he rest in the Abba Father's arms.

Tiffiney

February 7, 2012

R.I.P. Rocky..... gone but never forgotten

gigi

February 6, 2012

r.i.p rocky i miss you

LESSLIE DAUGHERTY

February 3, 2012

REST IN GODS LOVING ARMS

Tammy Winston

January 22, 2012

Sending out heartfelt sympathy to the entire family of Rasul "Rocky " Clark. I often communicated through Facebook with "BabyBoy"( my nickname for him), I would like to give all the praise to "Mama Clark" for her longstand with her son. May God Continue to Bless You! Peace!

Holly Yankaway

January 21, 2012

Annette & Dynetta, God got him now & he is safe in his arms, no more pain & suffering...God Bless & I love you guys!

Penny Wise

January 14, 2012

God bless you to the Clark family we pray the peace of the Lord Jesus upon your family. We know Rocky will be missed by us all, hold on Annette Gods got you. We Love you and mis you all. Penny & Dennis

Ronnie Lenzi

January 14, 2012

My prayers to you Rasul and to your mother, may god comfort you during this difficult time. Rocky you have have inspired and me. My god bless you.

Leigh Humble

January 13, 2012

I just read about Rocky and his mother's special caring love for him. What an inspiration the family is to us all. May God continue to hold Rocky close, as He always has. Someday Rocky will be standing with arms stretched wide to welcome his family and friends home, home to Heaven. God bless.

Benita Taylor

January 13, 2012

Mr. Rasul Rocky Clark, a beautiful name for a wonderful young blessed man, I salute you, you fought the fight and won , Jesus said as I live you will also live. A message to Rockys mom , you are blessed, you did a wonderful job careing for your son , I will pray that God comforts your heart and your family to let you see that he made it. My daughter passed away from cancer , but the lord let me see she is not dead she made a transition to her spirtual body , brand new, the same as with Rocky he can run faster now he is a angel , that is happy, trust in God with your whole heart as Rocky would say mom I love you , We all love you to , and I am so sorry that you feel the pain, but he made it homea brand new world, God bless you always.

indie jackson

January 13, 2012

May God bless his soul and keep the light shining on his mother, God needed rocky more, i hope a lot of people learn from his life that dont take anything from granted appreciate what you have and respect one another the next day is not guaranteed to us.

Ruth Britton

January 13, 2012

I knew Rocky at SSC. He was a very sweet kid. I will keep the family in my prayers. I will miss you kid. He was an inspiration to me and others.

Alicia Portley

January 13, 2012

I recently had a chance to watch a special on tv about Rocky, he was indeed a remarkable young man. Though I am sad to learn of his passing, I know that he has graduated to a better place. I am thankful to the Lord that he no longer has to suffer. I will continue to pray with you and your family, as I know he will be dearly missed.

Melissa Goldsborough

January 13, 2012

This brings tears to my eyes. My deepest and sincerest condolences.

I can see by this picture that Rocky was indeed an AWESOME guy.

Kathryn Straniero

January 12, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Annette and Rocky's family. I feel honored to have met Rocky and have his wonderful mother as my friend. God bless you all.

tyrone sinkfield

January 11, 2012

ROCKY AND HAS FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS..HE WAS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL...GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY PERSON WHO HELPED HIM AND HIS FAMILY FIGHT THE BATTLE...

122 alum

January 11, 2012

Rocky; You did it your way! May God bless and keep you in the palm of His hand. Prayers to your mom, who can keep
memories of you close in her heart forever!

Richard Sipple

January 10, 2012

I was privledged to have met Rocky years ago. I pray for his life and his journey home to God's House. I agree with his mother, I know he is running free now.

Maria Olvera

January 10, 2012

Rocky was an inspiration to many! Rocky is a hero! Rocky had the most beautiful smile; it was a reflection of the innermost Rocky.

My sincere, heartfelt condolences to Rocky's family. May your sweet memories be your consolation.

Mary Cohen

January 9, 2012

I first learned about Rocky last summer, and have been wishing the best for him all along. I was so sad to learn today that he has passed away. I know that his family, especially his mother, Annette, are brokenhearted. Though they will always suffer from his absence, they will also feel and be glad of his bright and beautiful presence with them for as long as they live. Rocky's family, please accept my deepest sympathies for your great loss.

pamela ford

January 9, 2012

Rocky is in a better place now! My prayers go out to the family!

January 9, 2012

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run, and not be weary they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 4031
I did not know Rocky Clark I but I grew to be a big fan of his after seeing his story on A Will to Live. His story could have easily been one of my nephews stories because they have or do play high school football. The show touched me and compelled me to do something.
Rocky was and remains an inspiration to me & many. The things he accomplished when he could of said, I give up but instead said what can I do to make a difference amazes me and makes me want to strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
Mrs. Clark, your job as Rockys mother, is well done.
To the family and friends of Mr. Rasul Rocky Clark, I offer my deepest condolences.
I know without a shadow of a doubt that Rocky is no longer wearing the number 21 on his back because his back now has angel wings.

Prayers and Blessings,
Linda Shelton, Nash. TN

Lisa Jordan

January 9, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Betsy Shepherd

January 8, 2012

Rest in peace, my sweet Rocky. You will be sorely missed, but I take comfort in knowing you are in a much better place free of pain. I treasure all time we spent together and all the talks we had. You will live on forever in my heart. You are my hero. Betsy

SANDRA SANDERS

January 8, 2012

HE SURELY IS A "STAR" FOOTBALL PLAYER IN HEAVEN NOW... ROCKY HAS TRULY EARNED HIS WINGS.... JOHN 3:16 SANDRA SANDERS RIP ROCKY

Lashan Dunham

January 8, 2012

I DIDN'T KNOW OF YOU UNTIL YOUR DEATH... BUT I'M SO TOUCHED BY YOU AND YOUR MOTHER. I JUST WANT TO LET YOUR FAMILY KNOW THAT YOU ARE 'SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL' TO THE WHOLE WORLD!!!! REST IN PARADISE ROCKY!!!!!!!! NO MORE PAIN!! NO MORE SUFFERING!!!! YOUR WORK HERE IS DONE!!!! MAY YOUR MOTHER STRUGGLE NO MORE FOR SHE HAS DONE WHAT ONLY A 'MOM' WOULD DO! SO KEEP WIPING HER TEARS BECAUSE THEY WILL COME...BUT I WANT HER TO KNOW SHE HAS DONE GREAT! I WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS!

G R

January 8, 2012

You are such a curageous person. I'm sure your running in heaven now. God bless and keep you in his care. He wants the best and your one of them. Some day we"ll meet when I die. You are the best.

Cathy Mueller

January 8, 2012

God bless you, Rocky!! May you fly with the angels and your football. Rest in peace, sweet boy!!!

Kama Lewis

January 8, 2012

My heart is heavy for his family, but know that, he's truly running the football for a TOUCHDOWN!!! with the higher pwer being the coach.

angelia lacy

January 7, 2012

This saddens me I seen Rocky's story ,on Will To live, He was such a inspiration.to me and my children who also watched with me ... My heart goes out to his loving and devoted mother and other family members, God bless you and keep you through these trying times!

La Qwanda Oakley

January 7, 2012

My prayers go out to Rocky and his family. I recall watching the episode of his tragic injury and it brought tears to my eyes, yet it made me smile upon seeing his courage and strength to move forward. Your mother is a very, very strong woman!! God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Johnnie Hicks

January 7, 2012

I pray that the family stay strong, Rocky you will be missed. I will remember you and Johnnie playing football and being friends. RIP -Carol & Johnnie Hicks

Wallie Strauch

January 7, 2012

I am one of the fortunate ones in that I did meet Rasul Clark. I had the privilege of being one of his notetakers while he attended SSCC. He was an extremely intelligent, handsome young man filled with determination and had a most wonderous smile. Yes, now he can walk and run with the angels and watch over his family and friends with continuous love. May you rest in peace dear Rocky, for you are truly, "Excellence in its Physical Form." (the poem written by you) May I extend my most sincere condolences to the Clark family.

Ms. Wallie

paige hamilton

January 7, 2012

I dont know of him. But I saw a story with him a couple of months ago. It touched my heart. To hear of his passing brought tears to my eyes. Im sure he has touched and inspired alot of people. To his family my prayers are with you. From Paige charleston sc

January 7, 2012

Rocky, you were the Epitome of Perserverance and Strength. May you rest in Peace.

Mike Konstant

January 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Rocky and his family. My brother had a similar injury and lived for 11 years after his accident because of the support he had from his girlfriend who took care of him as well as his his zest for life. You guys are the angels on this earth. Rocky is running and playing touch football with my brother Chris in heaven. God Bless.

January 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Clark's family and friends. May Rasul rest in peace. You will be missed by Ingalls radiology department. God Bless you all!

T Delofsky

January 6, 2012

Rest in peace Rocky. You and your mother Annette embodied dignity and fortitude throughout the years. Your smile was always there, for your mother, and for all of us...Let us all smile at a stranger, for Rocky and his mom.

Lisa Lovett

January 6, 2012

I didn't know Rocky personally. I actually befriended him on FB after watching him on Tv One. He accepted my friend request on 11/28/2011 and in that short time period....he taught me the true meaning of courage and giving thanks for the "little things" in life that most ppl take for granted. He was friendly and for the most part he touched thousands of lives with his kind spirit and beautiful smile. I miss you Rocky!

Nia P.

January 6, 2012

Rest In Peace, "Pooh". You meant more to me than you'll ever know. Stand Tall with God and run with the Angels, for now you are Eternally Free. I Love You & Miss You very much.

Yvonne Jones

January 6, 2012

Rest in peace rocky we will miss u dearly

Mike H

January 6, 2012

Rest in Peace Rocky. I worked with you during your first weeks at the Rehab Institute and you were in inspiration to us all. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tecoma Hill

January 6, 2012

ROCKY,
So glad I had the opportunity to work with you. Toughest kid I had ever known. Always inspirational and determined. You fought a good fight, You touched the hearts of so many..My prayers are with your family and friends. You will be truly missed. A true man of of Integrity.

unknown

January 6, 2012

I remember Rocky thru the high school football program.When the school made him a coach. His teachings will be forever missed. What a true man. Although never met him he is a inspration to all. Rest Rocky may god bless you ! To his mom, i pray for you and his sister that you find peace.May god bless you.

Stepfond SPEED

January 6, 2012

God be with you rocky
RIP

Regina Price

January 6, 2012

Rest In Peace Rocky. You will be greatly missed but I trust and believe you are in paradise with the Master with no more pain or sorrow. Praying for the family. ~Regina

Pat Mungovan

January 6, 2012

May Rocky rest in heaven. God bless his saintly mom and all his family and friends for helping him in his hour of need.

Yvonne Jones

January 6, 2012

Hey rocky even though u gone you will never be miss man u are a inspiration to a lot of people and for those who knew u are going to miss u a lot including me man always spoje to u on fb or when I did see josh pushing u in the wheelchair I spoke to u I love u rocky I miss you

Betty Smith

January 6, 2012

My condolences to Rasuls family, my love to his mother, my prayers for all.

Diane C

January 6, 2012

Rocky's life inspired me. His mother continues to inspire me. I don't know either of you, but I pray you find peace. I feel Rocky's journey calls us to action; I hope I can find what my role is. God bless you and keep you. Your story will never leave me.

Mary

January 6, 2012

Your son was an inspiration to so many. His smile was infectious. I just know that the angels were waiting to welcome him home. May God Bless you and your entire family.

Betty Matthews

January 6, 2012

Dear Rocky,

You are now reposing and resting in peace with Jesus and God. I didn't know you, but just thinking how courageous you and your family were during the last 10 years, makes the me stop and ponder about your inner strengths to do whatever you were able to.

May God Bless you and your family that will ALWAYS LOVE and remember you and the strangers that admired your COURAGE. PEACE....

B A

January 6, 2012

God bless you, Rocky. As a cancer sufferer, your story is inspirational, and touching... and will serve me to fight for when the time comes. God bless you and your family.

JUDY HENDERSON

January 6, 2012

ISAW HIS STORY ON CHICAGO NEWS JUST WANTED TO SEND MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.MAY HIS MEMORIES BRING YOU ALL COMFORT AT THIS TIME

January 6, 2012

Thank you-- Rocky, family and supporters-- for setting an example of courage and affirming life. We are wiser and stronger because of you. God bless you.

Patris King

January 6, 2012

Rocky, I never met you but saw your story and it touched my heart. You were an inspiration to many. Rest in Peace. My condolences to the family. May God continue to watch over them .

Peter T

January 6, 2012

Peace to Rocky and his family and friends. Your story moved me to tears and gave me strength. Bless all those you've touched.

Isha Wardell

January 6, 2012

I love u cuz heck the whole world love u cuz. Against all odds u made it this far. Its okay rest your work here is done. Watch over and whisper to us when the wind blow every now and again. Love u rest in peace.

Andrew Nelson

January 6, 2012

Rocky, I don't know you, but seeing your smile, sure makes me wish I did. God bless you and your family.

A S

January 6, 2012

I was also blessed by the various stories about Rocky. He sounds like a wonderful young man. And what a smile. His mother is a true example of a woman seeking to be Christ like in her love and sacrifice. Many blessings to this family and to his friends. - AS

Bill

January 6, 2012

To Rocky's many admirers, friends and family, especially his mother Annette, I can only hope the inspirational life Rocky led will give you some measure of comfort in your time of grief.

Rest in Peace, Rocky.

Carolyn

January 6, 2012

I am so saddened by this. I would see his story on the news and was so inspired by his positive and glowing attitude. To his Mom, you are amazing. His room looked so cheerful and immaculate. Your love and care is what made his life a good one. He is running around free in Heaven now with God. He will watch over you now.

Leni

January 6, 2012

Rocky,
Though I never had the pleasure of meeting you personally, I saw your story on "Will to Live" recently. You were a great inspiration to me and my family. I bless your spirit and your will to persevere. I bless your mother and everyone you touched throughout the years. Rest in Peace and May God continue to Bless!!!

Audrey Neylon

January 6, 2012

Rocky, I didnt know you very well but your sister ”Netta” and I were childhood friends. I want to light a candle and show respect to you and your family. God called you home to be with him. You will be greatly missed by so many people.

S Harris

January 6, 2012

Rocky was an incredible young man and an inspiration.

B I

January 6, 2012

Your fight was an inspiration. Here's to finding peace.

Kia Alexander

January 6, 2012

Rest In Paradise Rocky. Your family needed you but God needs you most. He let us borrow you for a little while, to let your radiance shine through but He called you back. You were more of a man than some of those that are able get up and move around. You are truly an amazing angel: your focus, your words, your wisdom, your strength, your courage, your fight, your ups and downs, your love for others, your testimony, your inspiration, your faith, your belief, your dedication, your art, your sportsmanship, your legacy, your will to live. Praying for strength for the Clark family during their time of bereavement. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal. :'( You surpassed the life expectancy for most quadriplegics and felt penalized for living too long, No God wasnt ready for you yet, he was preparing a place for you where life expectancy is eternally everlasting. You will be missed but only til we meet again, much love!

January 6, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lawrence Washington

January 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Clark family. I was a teacher at the high school of the team he played when he was injured. He was a remarkable young man.

Carl Kerstann

January 6, 2012

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Rocky sounds like an excellent young man. I wish I had known him.

RussellG Gibbs

January 6, 2012

may GOD be with the family. Please keep GOD in all your lives. God bless all of you.

January 6, 2012

January 6, 2012

January 6, 2012

Maria Olvera

January 6, 2012

January 6, 2012

Dear Rocky,
God bless you and your loved ones. Rest in Heavenly Peace. May your family's sweet memories be their consolation.

ashley sims

January 6, 2012

so so sad any athlete who passes, it's just not right

January 6, 2012

God bless Rocky and his family. He will always be with you.

ROB Brown

January 6, 2012

An '92 Eisenhower grad and athlete, My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, and cardinal community. A young mans life changed doing something positive that he loved. May you rest in peace, may God watch over and comfort your family and may your fight, determination, and legacy never be forgotten. A fighting cardinal to the end ROCKY CLARK!

R. Lawrence

January 6, 2012

God Bless you Rocky. Your smile alone is an inspiration.

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