John Gaylan Clark was born on August 22, 1952, to Gene Graham Peterson and John Henry Clark in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023. He is preceded in death by his wife Candace Eran Clark, John Henry Clark (Father), Robert "Bobby" Peterson (Step-father), Phillip Anthony Flint (Step-son), Noni Whitman (Step-sister), and Charles Peterson (Step-brother).
John was a graduate of USM and Mississippi College School of Law, and practiced law for over 44 years throughout Mississippi. Above all his many successes in life, he valued helping those in need. It was his passion to help the disadvantaged. Everyone knew him as the man to call in every challenge life brought. He was very proud of his children and taught them the importance of loving God and family through his actions and deeds. John grew up playing many sports, but loved playing basketball and softball most of all. He always enjoyed taking his kids to sporting events. As a son to a seafood entrepreneur and many generations of fishermen, fishing and boating were his natural passions. His love for seafood was crafted in the kitchen along with his gift of cooking. He showed his love to others through his amazing culinary skills. He had many lifelong friends that he treated as family. His ability to share such special bonds with so many people was a direct result of his passion for serving others.
John is survived by his mother, Gene Graham Peterson; children, John Clark (Ashley), Sarah Bazzell (Aaron), and Emily Clark; Grandchildren, Arabella Clark, John "Jack" Clark, Scarlett Bazzell, Mary Ella Bazzell, and Anniston Bazzell; Siblings, Wynn Clark, Nathan Clark, and Stanley Peterson; Nieces and Nephews, Cayten Ferry, Eugenia Clark (Jeremy), Colleen Clark, Stephen Clark, Joe Peterson, Doug Peterson, Bob Peterson, Sharon Becham, Patti Ory, Marcy Haydel (Rod), Micelle Haydel (Dan), and Leah Haydel; Brother-in-law, Jerry Whitman.
Pall Bearers - Philip Horn, Joe Peterson, Jack Pickett, Brad Simons, Charles Graham, Jr., Stephen Clark, Jack Clark, Chance Flint, Stephen Anderson, and Dee Williamson.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Holder-Wells Funeral Home, 4007 Main St., Moss Point, MS 39563 at 3:00 with visitation starting at 1:30.
In lieu of flowers please make a charitable contribution:
USM Foundation
118 College Dr. #5210
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
You may view and sign the online register book and send condolences to the Clark family by visiting our website at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com