Obituary for Ronald Edward "Ronnie" Clark
Published by Johnson-Overturf
Funeral Homes & Crematory
Ronald E. “Ronnie” Clark, 80, of Palatka, passed from this life on
Thursday, November 30, 2017 at the Doris Satterwhite Campus for Caring at
Haven Hospice in Palatka. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Ronnie moved to
Palatka in 1949 from Washington, D.C. He was a 1956 graduate of Palatka
Senior High School and received a scholarship to play football at Florida
State University. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Florida State
University in 1960, he attended the University of Florida where he received
his law degree in 1964. Following graduation, Ronnie began a 52 year career
practicing law with local attorney, Jack Bryan. In 1965, Ronnie opened his
own firm and even through failing health, was still practicing. A member of
the Florida Bar Association, Ronnie served as the attorney for Putnam
County from the early 1990’s until 2004. He was of the Catholic faith. A
fierce competitor and athlete, Ronnie was the recipient of the Hancock
Trophy given to the high school male athlete of the year. In later years,
he was honored to become the sponsor and presenter of the Hancock Trophy.
During his years spent at FSU, Ronnie was an outstanding student and
leader. Some of his accomplishments were serving in the Student Government
Senate in 1959, as President of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity in 1960 and
also in 1960 as Men’s Vice President at FSU. He was also a member of the
Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. Ronnie was an accomplished golfer and
was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Palatka Men’s Golf Association in
1972. Not only was he an outstanding player, Ronnie used his enthusiasm for
golf to raise funds for the Cancer Society through his sponsorship and
organization of a tournament which involved the whole community and raised
hundreds of thousands of dollars over a thirty-plus year period that the
tournament ran. Another Pro-Am tournament that was organized and continued
for many years that benefited young golfers was fittingly named the Ronald
E. Clark Open. Ronnie also was a sponsor of and played in Pro-Am
tournaments held at the TPC in Jacksonville. Ronnie also had been active in
the community through his membership in the Palatka Jaycees and Elks Lodge
BPOE #1232 in Palatka. He had also served as an auctioneer with Ducks
Unlimited and was a strong supporter of the Republican Party. Even though
Ronnie attended and supported both FSU and UF, there was never any doubt
that his heart was as an avid fan and generous supporter of the Seminoles
and their athletic programs. He was recognized numerous times over the
years for his continued support through the Alumni Association. As
successful as Ronnie’s law career was, he never forgot those who had
supported and encouraged him in his younger years and throughout his
career. He had a very giving spirit and quietly gave of his time, advice
and earnings in helping others. Few things in life pleased Ronnie any more
than being able to share a kind deed or gesture with a total stranger and
especially when it benefited a young person. Ronnie loved cooking and
entertaining his many friends and also enjoyed his time spent fishing with
Bill Jernigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard J. Clark
and Hattie Clark Cole, a sister, Betty Karraker and 2 brothers, Earl Clark
and Howard J. Clark, Jr. Ronnie is survived by his daughter, Krystee
Clark of Tujunga, CA, a step-son, Brandon McMurray of Palatka, a sister,
Edith Etts (Steve) of Steinhatchee and 2 brothers, Andy Clark (Barbara) of
San Mateo and Bobby Clark (Mary) of Jacksonville.
|
