of Conway, AR

November 28, 1933 - February 22, 2021

Paul J. Clark, Jr. was born in Sheridan, Arkansas on November 28, 1933 to Paul J. Clark and Minnie B. Clark and passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021. He joins the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Judy Clark, who passed away in January of last year. Paul is survived by his four daughters, Carol Morse (Roger), Paula Bass (George), Lisa Clark, and Kathryn Clark (a self-professed "Daddy's girl") as well as seven grandchildren (Trevor, Noelle, Savannah, Brandon, Adrian, Isabella, and Nicholas) along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Paul loved athletics - it was his avocation and his vocation. In high school, he competed in football, basketball, and track for the Sheridan High School Yellowjackets. Paul attended the University of Arkansas where he played for the Razorback football team as well as participating in intramural basketball and track. Paul interrupted his time in college to enlist in the U.S. Army where he served from November 1954 until October 1956, serving in Military Intelligence in Germany. While in the Army, he played Military Service Football, including one year for European Champions, NSCAM Black Knights.

Paul was also a strong swimmer and taught lifesaving and swimming for the Red Cross. It was while he was a lifeguard at the Sheridan community pool in 1957 that Paul first laid eyes on Judy, declaring to her then and there, "I'm going to marry you one day." Judy would say with a smile that while she didn't know quite what to make of that bold pronouncement, she did go back to the pool the next day. They were married on December 27, 1959.
Paul returned to the University of Arkansas to graduate with a BSE degree in 1963. Following graduation, Paul began a career in coaching. In 1964 he began coaching football at North Little Rock High School (then Ole Main). Five years later he became the first head football coach of the newly-formed Northeast High School in North Little Rock. Paul completed his master's degree at the University of Central Arkansas in 1970 where he went on to become an assistant football coach in 1973.

In 1985 Paul had the opportunity to purchase the Briarwood Swim Club in Conway. He and Judy created a true community pool, and their patrons became like family. Parents entrusted their children with the couple, knowing they would be safe. Paul put his coaching skills to good use at the pool and kept the kids in line with his infamous signs like "Be Good or Be Gone!" Paul's interactions with the kids were priceless to him and brought him joy. He and Judy operated the pool side-by-side for thirty-three years.

Paul was loved by all for his kindness, humor, and steadfastness. He was devoted to his wife and daughters and was always available to them. Paul was a life-long encourager, and he lived out his faith in his actions and influenced the lives of many from the college field to the community pool.

There will be a graveside service honoring Paul this Saturday at 1:00pm, at the Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville, Arkansas.

Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com