Mr. Larry Glenn Clark WB5AKR
WB5AKR
Larry Glenn Clark
Born March 28, 1950
Died October 2, 2021
Larry first became interested in radio communications in 1964 because his father was a volunteer fireman and used a CB radio. In 1967 Larry was involved in an auto accident that left him totally paralyzed. His doctor told his father that he would not live very long and if he did he would be totally bed-ridden.
Larry returned home from the hospital around Christmas 1967. From a hospital bed at home, Larry studied and was able to graduate with his Class of 1968. He also obtained his Amateur license in 1968. With help from his family and other volunteers, Larry was able to get back on his feet with the use of crutches.
In 1969, Larry enrolled in Meridian Community College with the intent of becoming a lawyer, but his interest was really in Technology, Electronics, Computers and Radios. In 1970, Larry became a Student Worker at MCC, working in the Media Center, operating the student radio station. In 1972, he was hired as a full time employee of MCC.
Larry continued to study and in 1974, acquired a Degree in Electronics and his FCC First Class Radio Telephone License. In 1975, Larry finished his degree in Broadcasting and Advertising Psychology. In 1976, he was placed in charge of the Production/Audio-Video Studio at MCC.
In 1980, Larry began work as a volunteer with Lauderdale Emergency Management communications and in 1985, was appointed Communications Officer for LEMA. Soon after, he was appointed Section Emergency Coordinator for MS and State Races Officer. He then began working with Mississippi Emergency Management (MEMA) as Communications Officer. Larry worked and was trained by FEMA in every area of
Emergency work and worked in the communications room at MEMA for over 10 years. While working with MEMA, Larry helped write and improve Amateur procedures in the State of Mississippi Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Amateur community and MEMA. During his time at MEMA he was also responsible for writing the grant that purchased The Ham Radio equipment for the stations at MEMA and LEMA.
In 1990, because of failing health and being confined to a wheel chair Larry retired from MCC. Larry then began building his Amateur station at home. He was able to work all Band, all modes, including CW and the modern digital modes. He had full battery back-up, solar panels, and a generator.
I am very proud to be able to say Larry, WB5AKR, was a good friend of mine. He will be missed.
Fred
WB5BNV
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It is with a heavy heart I pass this along. The news of Larry Clark passing. The obituary is on Robert Barham's site. Those who knew him, knew he was very active in the Ham radio community, both voice and digital. He will greatly be missed by all that knew him.
73's Charles Grisham KB5SZJ
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So sorry to hear about Larry, but so glad I knew him. Our first radio contact was on 11 meters not long after he came home from the hospital following his accident. Countless contacts through the years on various ham bands. The last one was a phone call from him a few months ago.
Mike Duke, K5XU
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Hello Meridian Amateur Radio Club,
This is Henry R. Leggette, WD4Q – former Director of Delta Division, ARRL. I am deeply sadden to hear of Larry’s death. I talked to Larry about three weeks ago. Our conversation was concerning the low power family radio he has in his community. I was suppose to have coffee with him when I come back to Kemper/Lauderdale Counties. His nurse was there in Larry’s home and we spoke. Larry explained to his nurse how we became acquainted and radio friends.
My sympathy go out to Meridian Amateur Radio Club, his friends and family. I am extremely sorrow to hear Larry G. Clark is a silent key! My deepest condolences!
73’s Henry R. Leggette, WD4Q
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Larry's Obituary
Graveside service for Larry G. Clark will be held Monday, October 4, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Jim Hutchison officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.
Mr. Larry Glenn Clark, age 71, of Meridian passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021, at his home.
He was a life-long member of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church and an avid Ham Radio operator. Larry was passionate about keeping his neighbors updated with news, weather, and alerts in his community. He loved helping his family, friends, and others and will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Survivors include his aunts, Barbara Clark and Charlotte Rodgers; cousins, Carla Dorman and Kyle Rutledge; numerous cousins, family and friends; special friends, Brenda Renfrow, Sheila Hutchinson, and Fred Gray.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Mac Clark; brother, Jerry Dane Clark.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Music Ministry.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at: https://www.robertbarhamffh.com/obituary/larry-clark
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