John Michael "Mike" Clark, Sr.

John Michael “Mike” Clark, Sr., 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Diversicare of Riverchase in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mike, a longtime resident of Dalton, Georgia, was born on January 31,1938 in River View (Chambers County), Alabama. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jim Frank and Inez Clark. He was a graduate of River View High School and had many fond memories and lifelong friends from his youth.

Mike graduated from his cherished University of Alabama, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, with a Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising in 1961. Afterward, he moved to Dalton, Georgia where he began a full and successful career in the carpet and textiles industry, eventually retiring as a senior account manager from BP Amoco Fabrics and Fibers.

In earlier years, Mike was a member of the Dalton Elks Lodge, coached Little League, and was a member and officer of the Dalton Civitan Club. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Dalton, where he was active in the Men’s Prayer Breakfast, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served as a deacon.

Mike loved Alabama Crimson Tide sports, especially football. He was an avid golfer and could often be found playing at Dalton Golf and Country Club. Before he left Dalton, Mike enjoyed volunteering at DOC-UP. He never met a stranger, and could talk with anyone, especially about college football or the University of Alabama.

Mike was also a loving and supportive husband and father. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Dixie Hyde Clark, on November 16, 2010. Several years after her passing, he moved to Birmingham to live with his son. He became a member of Asbury Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, and participated in the Young at Heart Ministry, and men’s Zoom Bible study. Most recently, he joined and attended Christ Church.

Mike is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Jeff Smith, of Madison, Alabama; son and daughter-in-law, John and Christine Clark of Birmingham, Alabama; grandchildren, Chase McKay, of Tampa, Florida; Audrey Clark, of Birmingham, Alabama; Shannon Clark, of Montgomery, Alabama; and Kate McKay, of Nashville, Tennessee; sisters-in-law, Sue Lane Helton and Dianne Nave, both of Ringgold, Georgia; brother-in-law, Dale Hyde, of Greenville, South Carolina; nephews and nieces, Thomas Stacy Helton of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Amy Helton, of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia; Griffin Hyde, of Greenville, South Carolina; Nathan Hyde, of Greer, South Carolina; Holly Nave Kittle, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; great nephews and nieces, several cousins, and many special friends.

There will be a service at 1pm on Saturday, May 17 at Whitfield Memorial Gardens, officiated by Mr. Dewey Hughes. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton from 2-4pm.

The family asks that flowers please be omitted, and memorials be made to DOC-UP, PO Box 904 Dalton, GA 30722.

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