Charles Wade Clark, Sr.

Charles Wade Clark, Sr., affectionately known as Wade, passed away at his home in Watkinsville, Ga. September 21, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Wade was born in Ty Ty, Georgia, on October 8, 1939, to Lewis John Clark and Eva Ruth Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Lula Jean Clark and Janet Ruth Spinks. He is survived by one brother, Olen Wayne Clark.

Wade’s family later relocated to Plant City, Florida, where he spent much of his youth and young adult life working alongside his father on the family dairy farm. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a graduate degree in banking from Louisiana State University.

While living in Plant City, Wade met and married the love of his life, Mary (Enfinger) Clark, in 1963. Together, Wade and Mary built a life centered around faith, family, and love. They raised two children, Charles Wade Clark, Jr. and Susan Kay (Clark) Ruter. In 1973, Wade and his family returned to Tifton, Georgia, where he continued his professional career in banking.

Wade was employed as Vice President of Citizens Bank of Tifton and later retired as Senior Vice President of First Community Bank of Tifton, now part of Synovus. Throughout his life, he believed strongly in serving his community. He was an active member of the Tifton Lions Club and served as president. He was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest form of recognition given by the Lions Clubs International.

Wade also served on the Tift County Board of Tax Assessors for twelve years, including serving as chairman. Following his retirement from banking, he continued serving others as a member of the staff at Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors for ten years. After moving to the Athens area, Wade served on the Oconee County Board of Tax Assessors, where he held the position of vice chairman.

Faith was an important part of Wade’s life. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Tifton for 42 years, where he faithfully served and taught the B.O.C.H. Sunday School Class for 30 years. After moving to Athens, Wade and Mary became members of Mars Hill Baptist Church, where they participated in the Joy Sunday School Class and the Senior Ministries program, XYZ (XTRA Years of Zeal).

Following retirement, Wade and Mary moved to the Athens area to be closer to their daughter, Susan, and her family. Wade treasured his time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. He especially enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including Wednesday morning biscuits and coffee at McDonald’s with his friends.

Wade also remained active throughout his later years, faithfully walking his beloved Yorkie, Bella Rose, around the neighborhood each day. He was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life and was a longtime member of the Brighton Hunting Club in Cusseta, Georgia. He found great joy in hunting, fishing and sharing his knowledge and love of the outdoors with the next generation.

Wade is survived by his son, Charles Wade Clark, Jr.; his daughter, Susan Clark Ruter (Dr. John) of Watkinsville, Georgia; his grandson, John William Ruter (Mackenzie) of Tifton, Georgia; his granddaughters, Mary Caroline Jernigan (Daly) of North Augusta, South Carolina and Alice Catherine Ruter of Nashville, Tennessee; his great-granddaughters, Lauren Blakely Ruter and Reagan Elizabeth Ruter; and his great-grandson, John Wade Ruter of Tifton, Georgia.

He is also survived by a special nephew, Danny Enfinger (Cindy) of Okeechobee, Florida, with whom he shared many cherished hunting trips and memories.

Wade and Mary were married for more than sixty years. Their love and devotion to one another were evident to everyone who knew them. Their bond was strong, and they were rarely seen apart. Their marriage was a beautiful example of a lifelong love built on faith, commitment, and companionship.

Above all, Wade loved the Lord, loved his family, and loved people. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, kindness, and countless cherished memories that will live on through the generations who knew and loved him.

“His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville, Ga is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com