Joseph Mitchell “Joe” Clark, 86, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, at his residence, following an extended illness.
Born September 8, 1939, in Blackshear, he was the son of the late Joseph Pharaoh and Evelyn Spradley Clark. He lived most of his life in Pierce County and was a 1957 graduate of Blackshear High School. He had served with the United States Army National Guard for 6 years and was a long-time banker, having worked with People’s Bank in Blackshear from 1966 to 2001, retiring as a loan officer.
He was a member of Blackshear First Baptist Church and attended the Enriched Sunday School Class. He also served as a former church treasurer.
Active in his community and an avid outdoorsman, he was a founding member of the Blackshear Exchange Club, a member of the Pierce County Hunting Club and the Pierce County Fox Hunter’s Association.
He was a long-time fan of NASCAR and enjoyed spending time with his faithful companions, Pug and Tillie.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter and three sisters, Alice Mullis, Jeannine McFadyen and Infant Betty Lou Clark.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Nell B. Clark, Blackshear; daughter, Karen Clark, Blackshear; two grandchildren, Trent Strickland (Ashton), Mershon and Katie Strickland, Blackshear; three great-grandchildren, Adalyn Poole, Hance Strickland and Stella Strickland; honorary grandchildren, Joey Melton, Joel Roberson and Alison Byrd; two sisters, Bobbie Jean Howard, Blackshear and Ruth Beezley, Statesboro; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Gibbs, Brunswick; a brother-in-law, Ian McFadyen, Bristol and several aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, from the chapel of Hart Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Justin Gambrell officiating.
Interment will follow in the Blackshear City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501, Blackshear First Baptist Church, 670 Main Street, Blackshear, GA 31516, or to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch, 5671 Boys Ranch Road, Hahira, GA 31632.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
