Cecil Clark

Celebration of Life

Cecil Eddie Clark was born to Albert Zibie Clark and Minnie Pearl Martin on January 10, 1942 in Beaumont Texas at Hotel Dieu (French for "Hostel of God"). Hotel Dieu was the first hospital in Beaumont. The hospital was located on the banks of the Neches River and Sabine Pass. I would like to thank that Dad literally being born bye the water was why he had such a passion for being on the water so that he could fish. Growing up in Houston and Galveston Texas as a young boy he ended up going to live with his Grandpa John H Clark and Grandma Della in Newton Texas, he would help with the family farm his Grandpa had. Dad grew up working in his dad's small engine repair shop in Houston where he honed in and learned everything there was to know. When dad was in the 9th grade he left school to continue working and run his dad's shop. There wasn't anything dad couldn't do, he was so talented and very smart. With only having a 9th grade education he absolutely made it through life having many types of jobs. Dad had a past-time of turning wrenches, building engines for cars and motorcycles. One of his most proud times in his life was when he built his old Indian motorcycle. Dad moved to LA/Hollywood California in the early 60's where he actually was a stand in double for Clint Eastwood. Dad met the love of his life in California (Linda Phillips) they were married March 2nd, 1962. They had myself and my brother, John H Clark. In the late 70's dad decided to move to Texas so he could reconnect with all his family. In the late 80's bought property in Vidor Texas and started his own small engine repair shop, he had the entire Golden Triangle and ran a really profitable business. Dad's love for music, all genres was evident his whole life which ran deep and influenced my brother and I's love for all music. Dad was eccentric, wild and multi-talented not doubt. Dad knew how to have a good time and to make people laugh with his jokes. Dad had a big heart. He never stopped loving his wife of 40 years and his daughter Terrisa and son John. He asked for forgiveness form all whom he may have hurt or wronged in the past. Dad is right in his heart, mind and God. Towards the end of dad's journey he battled to stay on this earth for many years, he fought a most courageous fight. Though he found himself in some not so good situations, he always kept that twinkle in his eyes and smile on his face. His love shined through. Dad fought his last fight, the battle is over for him, he passed away on March 25, 2021. There will be no more pain or sorrow. God Bless Daddy / Paw Paw. We love you and will miss you. Until we see you again on those Golden Streets of Heaven and "Where Rainbows Never Die". Cecil's visitation will be Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor beginning at 12:00 PM and the funeral service will be at 1:00 PM with burial to follow at Newton Cemetery in Newton, TX. He is survived by his son John Horton Clark, daughter Terrisa Lyn and husband Chris Tortoris, wife in heart Linda Clark Phillips, brother Charles Ray Finley, sister Sheila, three grandchildren: Christopher and wife Lindsay Tortoris, Erikka and husband Ben Blake, Jake and wife Katie Tortoris, five great grandchildren: Alyssa Tortoris, Cason Geib, Ryker Blake, Payton Jarvis, Beckett Jarvis, nephew Hershel and wife Hollie Odom, and cousin Jim and wife Dina Casey. He was preceded in death by his brothers Hershel Finley and Paul Edward Finley, sisters Mary Lynn Brown and Darlene Odom, and niece Diane Odom DeRamus.