James Ronald Clark

James Ronald Clark, 59 of Picayune, passed away February 02, 2023 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. He was born on October 09, 1963 in Wiggins, the oldest of two children born to James Vernon and Mary Louise (Tarver) Clark. James, or Ronnie as he was commonly known, grew up mostly in Picayune, but spent time in a few other places through the years. He could be an aggravating big brother at times to Teressa and Greg, but they had lots of fun growing up as well. They were always fishing, camping, and playing together. Oh the stories, but you'll need to get them to tell you! Ronnie had a strong love of music and art from an early age. He taught himself to play drums, bass guitar, and pretty much any instrument he wanted to play. He attended Pearl River Central High School until he decided to pursue a career music. Ronnie practiced, played, and only got better over the years. He was part of several local bands, including The Southern Country Band and others. He made a successful career playing across the country, with various bands and artists, including Eddie Hyatt, Candy Bennett and many more. Ronnie actually spent a couple of months filling in on drums for Alan Jackson. While he focused on music, he was quite the artist as well. He could draw, paint, and make all kinds of stuff. He could do whatever he set his mind to really. There was nothing he couldn't fix, or turn into something else. Ronnie could reinvent and repurpose anything. In his spare time, he enjoyed being on the river in his boat, camping, or having a get-together of family and friends so he could cook something on his grill. Man he loved grilling and smoking on his Pit Boss, perfecting brisket and several different things that were all delicious. He is remembered as a "character". There was never a dull moment around him. Ronnie loved to laugh and have fun, doing his best to include everyone around. That's just who he was, and for that, he will be forever missed by all whose life he touched. Ronnie was preceded in death by: his father, James Clark; grandparents Dewey and Cora Clark, W.C. Tarver, and Lela Peterson; and one brother, Mike Clark. Left to cherish his memories are: his companion and fiance', Theresa Tate; two children: Amber Nix and Ryan Stockstill, and his mother Mary Lee, all of Picayune; sisters Teressa (Harris, Jr.) Ladner of Pass Christian, Marcia (Bob) Flag and Portia Taylor, both of Gulfport, and Donna (Ed) Morgan of AL, with brothers Greg Clark of Picayune, Al (Pat) Clark of GA, Gary (Linda) Clark of FL, Jimmy, and Roger Dale (Esther) Clark, both of Gulfport, with an uncle who was not just his best friend, but also a brother and caregiver to him, Frank Tarver of Kiln. Ronnie leaves a legacy of five grandchildren: Levi and Lexi Nix, and Emery, Chord, and Wesley Stockstill, along with numerous extended family and friends, in the music world and beyond. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 6th at Salem House. Visitation will begin at 10 AM, followed by the funeral service at noon. Afterward, Ronnie will be laid to rest in the Flat Top Cemetery. In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider making a donation to help the family cover funeral expenses by clicking the "Donations" tab at the top. No gift is too small, and all will be greatly appreciated. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Clark family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.