In Memory

Jack Clack - Class Of 1951

The Reverend Dr. Jack L. Clack (July 8, 1934 – August 3, 2022), a boy who was nurtured in the households of various relatives while growing up in Eastland and Comanche Texas counties, graduated from Carbon High School at the age of 16, married Vera Morris of Moran when they were 18, and graduated from Howard Payne College at age 20. By the time he and Vera were 24, they were full-steam-ahead in nurturing three boys and serving in Baptist churches in Texas and Arkansas. Jack went on to earn his Masters in Christian Education and his Doctorate of Theology degrees. He helped to pioneer the establishment of chaplaincies in industries across the United States. When he retired as vice president of human resources with Tyson Foods, he threw himself into managing the resources of Vera’s pioneer ranching family’s property in Shackelford and Stephens counties.

For those who knew and loved Jack, he never failed to give them a big smile and a hug. He remembered everyone’s name.

While Jack took joy in a world filled with God’s gifts, he specifically took great joy in water skiing, snow skiing, telling stories at the family table, and listening to his boys and grandchildren debate. His greatest joy, however, was being God’s servant and praying for his family.

One of his family’s great pleasures was to hear Jack read the Christmas Story, Luke 2:1-14, of how the Virgin Mary “brought forth her firstborn son” and of how a heavenly host proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest.”

Psalm 23:1-6 was Jack’s most beloved Psalm, so much so that he encouraged his boys to memorize it at an early age: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Jack knew this to be true.

Jack and Vera would have celebrated their 70 years of marriage on December 19, 2022. Jack is survived by his wife, Vera; sons, Jay, Joe, and Jon; daughters-in-law, Barbra, Susie, and Sandy; grandchildren and their spouses, Jason and Bobbie, Jacob and Brigette, and Hannah; and great-grandchildren, Jade, Jack, and June. He is also survived by his brother, Danny and his family, as well as many other dear family members and close friends.

A memorial service honoring Jack’s life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church in Albany, with Rev. Dan Connally officiating. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall.

Memorial donations in Jack’s name can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to an organization/charity of the donor’s choice and can be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.

https://breckenridgetexan.com/2022/08/06/reverend-dr-jack-l-clack/