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Ty Clark Obituary
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A 1985 graduate of Central High School in Chattanooga, Ty enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he found his calling as a Combat Controller. After enduring the rigorous pipeline, he graduated in July 1986, embarking on a distinguished career in military service. Among his many achievements, Ty became a Freefall Jumpmaster, Tandem Freefall Master, Freefall Instructor, Combat Diver Supervisor, and a member of the Air Force STARS Skydiving Team. Ty logged in over 4500+ skydives in his career. He served in conflicts across the globe, including Panama, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo. Ty was immensely proud to serve his country, retiring in March 2011, though he continued contributing in a civilian capacity.
Ty is preceded in death by his father, Sidney Clark; his stepmother, Gaye McLaughlin.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Delaney, who was the light of his life; his mother, Carolyn Holman; stepfather, Donnie Holman; sister, Missy (Joey) Moore; nieces, Noelle (Jon Michael) Green and Kayla (Ryan) Walden; and nephew, Chandler (Kaylen) Moore. Three great nephews and one great niece.
Ty shared a unique and unbreakable bond with Delaney, coaching her through countless games of softball and soccer and spending endless hours together watching Tennessee Volunteers football and Atlanta Braves baseball. He often expressed his deep pride in the young woman Delaney has become and gratitude for being her father.
Those who knew Ty will forever remember his infectious love for Tennessee Volunteers football and the Atlanta Braves. His passion for the Vols was legendary and served as a defining part of who he was.
Ty lived life on his own terms
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Carl Casey
September 5, 2025
I did not find out about Tys passing away until Col Joe Gross,, told me a couple of weeks ago while he was down here at Pope AAF for a change of command. Ty was one of the many young operators that showed up at Hurlburt field in the middle 1980s that would reshape the combat control business into the USAF Special Tactics as we know it today. Very skilled operator that easily mastered any advanced skills required to do. His daughter was blessed to have a father like Him,
Bernie Oder
August 23, 2025
RIP my brother.
Phil Freeman
November 22, 2024
Heart breaking loss. Great dude! Great Operator! Loved crossing paths with Ty!
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John Koren
November 21, 2024
I remember Ty going through Combat Control School and also part of our entire Special Tactics force going into combat in 1989 Operation Just Cause in Panama. A fine warrior. RIP
Craig Rith
November 20, 2024
I had the distinct honor of being Ty´s CO a couple times. And like all of you, I found his never ending smile/grin contagious. Thing is, that smile and jocularity belied his absolute focus and devotion to the mission and men that surrounded him. A patriot, warrior, and mentor - among the nation´s most elite force in modern history. RIP, brother.
Tony Rodgers
November 19, 2024
Tony Rodgers AR
It was a punch in the gut to hear of the loss of Ty. I started my career with Ty and enjoyed every moment I had the pleasure of spending with. He always had a smile on his face and a good heart. Dispute of his silliness Ty was nothing short of an exceptional operator. Always motivated and ready for any challenge. You will be missed friend. Safe travels
Carlos "NS" Neris
November 19, 2024
Good humored Ty. You will be missed in this world. We served together on several occasions and he was always someone you could count on
Fred Wulff
November 18, 2024
Ty, I will miss you brother. You always had a great smile and fun to party with. Your great sense of humor will live on in our stories.
JJ Johnson
November 18, 2024
I had the privilege of serving with Ty during four different assignments. Great teammate and always a pleasure to be around.
Boyd "Bo" Bowling
November 18, 2024
Ty Clark was a great teammate and an even better friend. We had some great times together at Hurlburt (1723rd/23rd) and many TDYs. Hacky sack on the flightline, James Bond smoke screen in his car, motorcycles, beach parties, Victor's/Nightown/JJs (anything with a dance floor), free drinks from Rob Lowe's cousin, Base soccer champs' multiple times, the list goes on and on. Anytime I think of Ty, I just laugh and smile. A beautiful life well lived. He will never be forgotten. Thank you for all the great memories my friend. Brothers in Arms.
Mike Ramos
November 18, 2024
Ahhh Ty Clark awesome guy who was always ready with a joke and a smile, never forget his "Electric Slide" and Moon walking at the Christmas parties! RIP Brother. Prayer of solace to the family. vr rs...
BN
November 18, 2024
Ty was a good friend and teammate. His humor and enthusiasm will be missed by us all, rest in peace brother.
Doug McClure
November 18, 2024
Bad news for all who knew Ty. He was one of my mentors and trainers early in my career. Great guy who was great to be around. Most of the good times we had together can´t be discussed here but Rental cars, JRTs, Freefall and JJs are all a part of my memories with him. I pray peace for his family.
Rk
November 18, 2024
Ty, is my classmate, we got lost in thicket's at Camp McCall at Fort Bragg for hours. Will miss you Bro
Bruce Barry
November 18, 2024
Little known fact, Ty was fluent in sign language. It was an nice and unexpected ice breaker at the dance club in Ft Walton beach, but the following day I guess it was just to good to keep to himself and I was answering questions to Chief Crutchfield and 1Sgt Urenda (while in the front leaning rest position). I won´t get into the details except to say it was one of those experiences that still makes me laugh out loud when I think about it. Thanks for being a brother Ty, even though you could have kept that one between us.
Patrick G C Moulton
November 18, 2024
Ty and I crossed paths many times over the years as most controllers do. Yes, he definitely left a lasting impression and I´m deeply saddened over his passing. God bless you, Ty. Rest in peace, brother!
Dano Schilling
November 18, 2024
Ty was a funny and dedicated jumper and we were airmen together at the 1723rd. The three man team of him, Scott Reid, and Pat Rogers in the house of mad times were just those, and too numerous to recount. You'll be missed for your great personality teammate.
NR
November 18, 2024
I met Ty on one of our training missions was also working with him a bit post military as a contractor. He was so funny and great to be around. Sorry to hear of this great loss. Big Salute and love to you Ty and may your family and friends have peace over this loss. NR.
Troy Hittle
November 18, 2024
I´m lucky to have shared some very hard laughs with Ty - he was a shot in the arm when you needed it. I´m grateful for the good memories. God speed my friend.
Bernie Oder
November 18, 2024
Bernie Oder
November 18, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ty Clark. He was truly a beacon of joy, always smiling and spreading positivity wherever he went. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve alongside him during our mission to Panama in 1989 for Operation Just Cause. His cheerful demeanor and unwavering spirit made a lasting impact on all of us.
Bernie Oder
November 18, 2024
Dan Kaster
November 18, 2024
Ty was the first one to show me actual, real-world, control duties when I first arrived at the 1723 out of CCS. He was a willing mentor with a ready smile and always looked for the humor in any situation. Great man, great friend.
Bernie Oder
November 18, 2024
Terry Maki
November 17, 2024
Ty was one class ahead of me getting to Hurlburt. He was always funny and reliable. Best memory of him was spending 2 or 3 days in a mineshaft in Montana, it was cold and we adopted a weasel/ Ermine and the whole 4 or 5 man team really bonded since we were stuck together due to severely cold weather. Ty was just a good guy and I'm so sorry to hear of his passing
Ed McDonald
November 17, 2024
Ty was a great teammate. Always had a smile that would brighten up you day
Geoff Hitchcock
November 17, 2024
Ty was a rare breed. I will miss his high energy and singular focus to be one of the best of the best. RIP brother!
Richard W. Crutchfield
November 17, 2024
I had the pleasure of being Ty's first CMSgt after he completed Combat Control School and started his CCT career. He was a greatly loved and respected by his teammates. He was a skilled operator and excellent parachutist and was selected to participate on a high profile parachute demonstration team. Ty was a great athlete and excelled in sports activities. Rest in peace Ty.
Tony Urenda, USAF "Shirt"
November 16, 2024
Ty "Baby Face" , I´ll always remember your enthusiasm, professionalism and down right craziness! Me and your CCT brothers will miss you big time!! RIP compadre!! -"Shirt"
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