Timothy Clark

Timothy Clark was born on December 29, 1944, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Mildred and James Clark. He peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday morning, May 16, 2026. The youngest of Mildred’s two children, Tim spent much of his early childhood in Franklin County with his beloved grandparents, Nelson and Clara Simmons, where he was affectionately known by the nickname “Pappy” - even as a child, people often said he acted like an old man — wise beyond his years.

He attended elementary school primarily in Nashville, but his summers were spent in Franklin County surrounded by his grandparents and their children, who felt more like siblings than cousins. Tim later returned to Franklin County for high school and graduated from Townsend High School in 1963. During those years, he played football and was honored to serve on the Homecoming Court in both his junior and senior years.

Tim’s deep bond with his grandparents shaped the man he became. Franklin County was his heart’s home—a place where he learned to love the land, value family, and appreciate the simple joys of life. His grandfather, in particular, instilled in him the importance of education. After announcing he was quitting school during his senior year, his grandfather took him to work in the fields for a quick lesson in “real work.” Three days later, he had a brand-new respect for education, gladly returning to school, earning his diploma.

He grew into a loving, kind, and grateful man—an extraordinary father and grandfather who modeled the same values his grandparents poured into him. Like his grandmother, he possessed remarkable talent. A gifted carpenter, he carved and stained crosses for Lee Chapel and St. Luke (Erin, TN) AME Churches, installed windows at First Pegram AME Church, and completed countless other projects—always offering his skills freely and without charge. He loved the outdoors and could grow tomatoes nearly as well as his great-uncle, Horace Bean.

Tim confessed his faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Winchester First Baptist Church. Shortly after high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he discovered his love for seeing the world and embracing new experiences. During this season of his life, he also welcomed his three daughters and son, Lonnie, Juanda, Tanzy, and Scottie, whom he adored deeply and was profoundly proud of. After completing his service, he worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Ford Motor Company, DuPont Chemical Plant, and Arnold Engineering Air Force Base.

A devoted member of Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, Tim served faithfully as a Trustee beginning in 1999 and was an active member of the Men’s Ministry. He was well known for his famous chili and oxtail stew, which became cherished favorites at church gatherings. He was an integral part of the Mission Chorus and Team of Nashville which began in the Ministry of Music at Lee Chapel. Over the course of 15 years (2004-2019), he served as one of the three Team Leaders ensuring that our work rebuilding/repairing churches, homes, wheelchair ramps, etc. was done with the utmost care and professionalism. It was also at Lee Chapel that Tim met his beloved wife Bridgette, with whom he would share the final and most joyful years of his life. Tim and Bridgette were married on April 29, 2018, and together they built a marriage filled with laughter, deep affection, and unforgettable moments. Their love was easy, fun, and full of warmth—an everyday blessing they both treasured. Tim was also a proud member of Prince Hall Masonic Lodge #1 and the UAW Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #572.

Tim discovered his passion for cooking while serving in the Air Force and carried that love throughout his life. At “First Cousin” gatherings, he became legendary for his made‑from‑scratch pancakes during their annual camping trips in Franklin County. Family and friends also looked forward to the TSU Homecoming festivities at his Nashville home, where his crab salad and collard greens were always in high demand.

Over the years, Tim was immensely blessed to be a father to nine children, each of whom brought joy, pride, and adventure into his life. He loved traveling, going on cruises, and spending quality time with his family. Shortly before his transition, he had the opportunity to return to Thailand—a place he first visited during his Air Force service—and spend meaningful time visiting family there.

Those left to cherish Tim’s memory, lovingly devoted wife, Bridgette Clark; children Scott Roberson, Evangelist Yolanda Clark (Gary) Smith, LeJuanda Clark-Raybon, Tanzania Clark-Wright, Jacqueline Ivery, Kelly (John) Quarles, Holly Whitworth, Stefan (Jirarat) Forbus, and Chloe' Forbus; grandchildren Antonio Hill, Nicholas Raybon, Timothy Clark, Adrian Raybon, Jalaya (Kevin) Palk, Brittany Roberson, Christopher (Ashley) Smith, Delmonicka Raybon, Sydney Raybon, Gary Smith, Joshua Smith, Matthew Smith, Kameron Wright, Maria Faulkner, Tyler Ivery, Kenneth Rawls, Kennedy Rawls, Brenden Quarles, Philemon Quarles, Katelynn Quarles, Isla Burt, Carter McMichael; and a host of great grandchildren; mother-in-law Marlene Sisney, brothers-in-law Wayne (Audrey) McMillan and Mal Sisney; sister-in-law Willa Jean McClain; aunts Lena Baker, Yvonne Heard, Ela (John) Powell, Mary Ann Greer, Charoline Simmons; uncle Edward Douglas (Valerie) Simmons, nieces Michelle (Turner) Davis, Sylvia Wimberly, DeWayna (Brian) Gilmore and Sandreeka Sisney; nephews Eric Wade, David McMillan, Myles McMillan, and Brandon Sisney; special cousins “First Cousins,” Shree Parrish, Damon “Tabby” Warfield, dear friends Willie C. and JoAnn Hill, Bo Knox, Lamont Snipes and a host of extended family members, loved ones and friends.