Joseph Wayne Clark

Joseph Wayne Clark, 98, of Bruce, Mississippi, passed peacefully on December 2, 2025, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. Born on July 14, 1927, in Bruce to Will Spears Clark and Maude Lugene Jones, Wayne lived a long, full, and hardworking life rooted deeply in family and the community he cherished.

A proud American, Wayne served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He often shared stories of his time stationed in Alaska-memories he carried with him his entire life.

Wayne was known for his incredible work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the decades, he owned and operated numerous businesses, including a sawmill, service station, skating rink, drive-in theatre, pawn shop, and furniture store. Whether working with his hands or managing a business, Wayne was always in motion. Even into his mid-90s, he could be found tending his garden. He rarely kept any of the vegetables he grew-he planted and harvested simply to give them away, a quiet reflection of his generous heart.

In 1981, Wayne faced the heartbreaking loss of his son, Darwin Clark. From that moment forward, he and his beloved wife, Nona Faye (Murphree) Clark, devoted themselves to raising their grandson, Corey. Corey was their world, and anyone who knew them had no doubt that their lives revolved around him. The bond they shared remained unbreakable throughout Wayne's life.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Nona Faye, his son Darwin, and his parents.

He leaves behind his devoted grandson Corey Clark (Samantha), great-granddaughter Alden Clark, and great-grandson Joseph Cullen Clark all of Pontotoc, MS, and a host of nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his legacy of love, resilience, and quiet strength.

Though Wayne did not regularly attend church, he read his Bible faithfully every day and held a confident assurance of where he would spend eternity. His family takes comfort in knowing he is at peace, reunited with those he loved and missed so dearly. There will be graveside service Friday, December 5, 2025, at Pinecrest Memorial Garden beginning at 2:00P.M. with Bro. Corey Clark officiating.

Wayne Clark will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family will live on for generations.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the Clark Family during this time.