Forest Community Celebrates ‘Life and Legacy’ of Coach ‘Bo’ Clark (used)

Services for Forest alderman and former Bearcat assistant football coach James C. “Bo” Clark were held Sunday, June 2, 2019, at the Forest Elementary School Auditorium, were his many friends and admirers gathered to pay final respects to the beloved public servant.

Clark was 89 when he died May 28, 2019, at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Jackson.

Among those in attendance for the special service were family members, co-workers, former students and athletes, Alcornites, Sigmas, Zetas and many others who filled the auditorium.

Forest native Dr. Sheldon Graves of Germantown, TN, served as master of ceremonies and remembered Alderman Clark as a “Coach” for so many.

Also participating in the service were Joseph “Joe” Tucker, a former Clark student, who provided musical tributes; the Rev. Johnny Qualls, an Alcornite, prayer and scripture; the Rev. Sheldon Thomas, words of wisdom and comfort; and Charles Longmire, also a former student of Clark and current member of the Forest School Board of Trustees, who read acknowledgements.

During her remarks, Forest Mayor Nancy Chambers recalled special memories with Clark in city government as an alderman; and as an educational co-worker and special friend.

Matthew “Matt” Thomas represented the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association and shared memories of his life-long friendship with Clark. A resolution was presented from the Alcorn State University family along with several other resolutions.

Clark’s pastor, the Rev. Shirley Wilder, delivered the eulogy and remembered “the young man” as a Christian leader “who loved his God, his wife (the late Pearl Clark), his church, and the city and citizens of Forest.”

In her weekly column in The Scott County Times, longtime friend Constance Slaughter-Harvey penned that Alderman/Coach “Bo” Clark “will be remembered by those who knew and loved him. His life and legacy added much to our town.” She added, “Please keep his family in your prayers and special prayers for his nephew/son Vincent Solomon and wife Linda Solomon.”

Coach Clark had a long and successful coaching career and was serving his first year an assistant to Gary Risher when the 1970 Bearcats captured the Overall Little Dixie Conference Championship with a perfect 11-0 record.