Tommy, as he was known by his home folks, was preceded in death by his father, William Boyett Clark, his mother, Audrey Trantham Clark, two sisters, Mary Jo (Jodie) Clark Hall and Janet Clark Mercer, and a nephew, Howard Boyett Hall.
He is survived by nieces, Amy Hall of Perryville, AR, Carma Mercer Beason of Jonesboro, AR, April Hall Davis of Mt. View, AR, and a nephew, Tommy Mercer of Texas, also several great-nieces and nephews.
Many will remember Tommy and his voice as an operator in the original Wilmar Telephone Exchange which was owned by his parents and operated out of their home. Tommy was an avid reader and had a penchant for anything academic, especially the discipline of chemistry. He was recognized by several national honor societies for his continued and exemplary academic performances. He loved learning about any subject, but prepared himself to teach chemistry on the college level. He graduated from Wilmar High School in 1958, and went on to A&M (UAM) where he received his Bachelors, and then to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he earned his Master's. He completed requirements for his Doctorate, but stopped short of gaining his doctorate in order to begin his teaching career at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. He later began teaching at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana. After several years, Tommy relocated back to Fayetteville because of his love for the University of Arkansas and the mountain life. He worked in the correspondence area of UA until he began teaching in Rogers, AR at the Northwest Community College from which he retired in 2017. In the interim, he loved to travel. He spent time in the Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway, and also Russia, along with other European countries.
Tommy will be sorely missed by his family. He was lovingly known in the family as their very own absent minded professor. He loved his family and showed much interest in the academics and accomplishments of the young ones.
A memorial graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Wilmar Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wilmar United Methodist Church, in care of Debra Burt, 801 Sanderlin Rd., Wilmar, AR 71675 or Wilmar Cemetery Association, in care of Betty Fuqua, P.O. Box 132, Wilmar, AR 71675. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(4)
Don Bunch
Fayetteville, AR Friday, September 6, 2019 Tom was a valued friend and will definitely be missed. He was a wonderful and colorful part of the fabric of our community.Burnetta Hinterthuer
Fayetteville, AR Friday, September 6, 2019 Tom was a friendly, helpful friend at NWACC. He was always quick with a smile and I enjoyed talking with him between classes. He told of travels to see his family.. He also liked to sing and came to our Christmas party for caroling. I am sorry we lost touch in these past few years.Christina Smith
Prairie Grove, AR Friday, September 6, 2019 Goodbye, Tom. It was a real pleasure to have known you. You will be missed by your students and coworkers at NorthWest Arkansas Community College.Brenda Baucom
Washburn, MO Thursday, September 5, 2019 RIP sweet Tom. A joy to know and work with at both George's Majestic Lounge and Chester's Place. My favorite bartender and good friend. You will be missed .Peace be with you, Brenda