Jesse Lee Clark

Jesse Lee Clark, 70, of Natchez, MS passed away early Monday morning, on June 5, 2023, at the University Medical Center in Jackson.  Jesse was born on January 19th, 1953, in Natchez to the late Earl L. and June (Glossl) Clark. Jesse loved to travel the country,  he lived as far west as Arizona and as far east as Georgia with numerous places in between, before settling "home" in Mississippi.  Throughout his travels, whether on land or off-shore, Jesse worked as an OTR truck driver for many different companies.  What started as a family tradition and gift, beginning at an early age, Jesse worked on diesel engines as a mechanic, and as he got older the engines he preferred to work on, purposefully, got smaller and smaller. No matter where the road took him, he was never afraid of hard work, long hours, or trying something new.  He listened to his mind and body when he needed a break, and would take sabbaticals that sometimes lasted over a year, whether or not he got the rest he needed, Jesse did end up with cool tattoos and weird stories that were excellent conversation starters.  Jesse was a humble and funny man whose goal was to always bring a smile to the faces of those around him.  Always curious, Jesse never failed to express the desire to obtain new knowledge, even though he gave the impression that he was full of all the answers. To at least one person, Jesse admitted one of life's greatest secrets, "The key to being a genius, is to face reality",  and that no matter how much you know, how many degrees you have, or how many books you've read; when compared to the total knowledge in this world, your IQ doesn't even register, it's like you know nothing, so always be willing to learn more".  Jesse was also very loving, determined, and protective of those closest to him and at times of people he didn't even know. He spent his last dollar on a room for a stranger who had suddenly found themselves on the street, just because Jesse's heart was that big. The Clark home was always open to those who found themselves down on their luck, Jesse and his wife, Helen, becoming temporary pseudo-parents to any and all of them. There were times that generosity turned around and bit him, but that didn't stop the practice. Jesse always said that he knew what it felt like to have nothing and to believe you were unworthy of love, to feel like you had nothing positive to offer the world,  and if one person was lifted up enough to work hard and get their life in order, well then, that one was worth more than the nine that didn't.  "To know him was to love him" doesn't necessarily apply to Mr. Clark. The impression Jesse made on people could go either way, but one thing was certain, to encounter him in any kind of interaction was to remember him.  And Jesse tried his best to touch as many people as he could in any situation, even a trip to the grocery store would result in multiple conversations, often enough with complete strangers left holding a jar of pickles and laughing until tears rolled down their faces. Although he never considered himself religious,  Jesse found himself very spiritual and having a special connection with God, whom he spoke with every day.  He felt closest to the divine when floating in the shade of cypress trees and counseling families of bass and white perch, Jesse was grateful for every day and relished the beauty of the natural world.  Jesse was an avid fisherman, hunter, flirt, and storyteller, mostly of tall tales and fishing stories. He befriended any stranger and loved children, earning him the title of "Uncle Jesse" and most recently, he gained the crown of "Gumpy" from one of the tiny humans who cherished him. Jesse repented for his past transgressions by caring intensely about the well-being of our furry brethren. He was drawn to their innocence, undying loyalty, and unconditional love that animals are prone to give to us. Jesse experienced first-hand how the companionship of a cherished pet could literally save your soul and swore that one special dog was sent to him as a gift from God. He will be forever missed by his only child, his daughter Dana (Jason) Smith of Fort Payne, AL., who considered him to be a best friend and someone she frequently depended on because of his love and acceptance. She always felt loved, listened to, and understood in every conversation and never feared being honest when talking to him, her daddy rejoiced in every accomplishment, even the ones she never thought of as successes; his grandson Caleb (aka Go-rilla) and fiance, Heather Brasher, both of Pell City, AL; his granddaughter Wendy and her husband Elan Lee, of whom he constantly referred to as "My wonderful Grandson-in-Law, Elan, the Rocket Scientist", both of Aniston, AL; his brothers, Preston Clark and Sister-in-Love, Shasta (Robinson) of Natchez, to whom he was eternally grateful for believing in him and being his source of strength when he needed it, Tony (Cynthia) Clark of Vicksburg; his sister-in-law Sandra Clark of Vicksburg; his fur-son Ripley; his (often annoyed) first wife and life-long best friend Cathy Bagwell Hicks of Fort Payne, AL; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and the army of those considered "chosen" family, he will continue to watch over and love immensely. Jesse is preceded in death by his wife, Helen, whom he never truly realized, just how much she took care of him until she wasn't there to do it and would apologize to her daily for taking her for granted, usually while he was washing dishes or folding clothes.  His parents Earl and June Clark; brothers David Paul, Luther, and John Clark; and the fur-doggo that stole his heart, Bella.  The family asks that on behalf of the love Jesse had for all animals, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jesse's memory to the Natchez Adams County Humane Society. A memorial service for Jesse will be held at a later time, provided by his family.  Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Clark family during this time and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days. 

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