Dates
Dwight Wilson Clark of Cumming, GA (originally San Angelo, TX), husband of 42 years to Pat Clark, as well as long-time firefighter and Fire Chief, went home to be with the Lord on March 29, 2016 at the age of 79.
Dwight was born January 21, 1937 to William Glenn Clark (Gingo), a federal firefighter at Goodfellow Air Force Base, and his wife Aleene Elizabeth Wilson Clark (“Mama Lap” or “Libby”) in San Angelo, TX. Dwight was the eldest and grew up with his two brothers, Jerry and Gary, and three sisters, Glenda, Carol, and Ann.
Dwight became a firefighter at the age of 21. He responded to a kitchen fire not even two hours into his first shift. Since that time, Dwight responded to many fires, wrecks, people in need and tragedies. He eventually became Assistant Chief in San Angelo, TX and on his off days, he also worked at the local hospital as an ER paramedic.
He later transferred to Austin, TX and worked there for one year as Fire Chief, before moving to Forsyth, GA (Monroe County). There he also worked at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center where he taught for seven years. After that time, Dwight accepted a position at the Forsyth County Fire Department and his family ultimately moved to Cumming, GA. He served Forsyth County faithfully for 12 years before retiring in 2013, totaling 54 years in the fire service.
Dwight began and was involved in many additional programs, such as Project Baby Save, First Care, Space Makers, TERC, and many more. All of these programs are examples of Dwight’s need for safety and care for people and fire fighters. He loved his job and loved helping people.
Dwight taught extrication and safety in Mexico, Canada, England, South Africa, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and throughout the US including at least 24 states. He judged competitions and has been an expert witness. He was a leading expert in the field of extrication. He wrote for eight international magazines and, for approximately 11 years, he wrote for FireRescue Magazine.
Dwight was a Master Mason of Concho Lodge #1260 and a Past Worthy Patron of Concho Chapter 826 Order of the Eastern Star, now affiliated with San Angelo Chapter 10.
Dwight is survived and loved by his wife Pat; daughter, Becky (Jim) Clendennen; 4 sons, Barry Clark, Brett (Andrea) Clark, Cord (April) Clark, Matt (Kari) Clark; 11 grandchildren, Dustin Mehaffey, Taylor (Melanie) Clendennen, Lee Clark, Katelyn Clark, Micah (Clayton) Hawkins, Nikki (Tim) Indalsingh, Jennifer Clark, Madison Clark, Jenna, Kaityln, CJ, Elizabeth, Jayne, and Callie; 3 great grandchildren, Linley Hawkins, Alyssa Indalsingh, and Landon Indalsingh; 2 sisters, Glenda Meade, and Carol Majors; 1 brother, Jerry (Connie) Clark; 1 brother-in-law, Mike (Kathy) Pool. Dwight is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gary, and his sister, Ann.
Visitation will be held at the Robert Massie Funeral Home on Monday, April 4 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm followed by interment services at 3:00 pm at Lawnhaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, Atlanta, GA.