Darrell Eugene Clark
Darrell Eugene Clark
Darrell Eugene Clark was born on September 19, 1961, to Mack Clark and Merita Clark Stanley in Grand Ridge, Florida. He spent his entire life in Grand Ridge where he built a loving family, grew a thriving business, and lived with unwavering faith, always putting God first. From his earliest days, Darrell’s life was marked by hard work, determination, and a deep love for the people and community around him.
Darrell attended and graduated from Grand Ridge School in 1979. During his school years he was active in many organizations but truly excelled in the FFA program, earning the Florida FFA State Agribusiness Award that same year. He was often “checked out” of school to help his dad, Mack, run Clark’s Well Drilling—a business built on integrity, perseverance, and service to others. He often told stories of those early days on the rig, when equipment was old and comfort was scarce. One bitter January morning he recalled driving a rig without a windshield—his hands so cold he had to keep switching them on the wheel, warming one while driving with the other, his eyes watering from the icy wind. Even then, he pressed on. Those long days beside his father laid the foundation for a work ethic and determination that would define his life.
In 1984, Darrell gathered enough money to take out a loan—at 22% interest—for a new drilling rig from Oklahoma. It was a bold step that marked a new chapter in his journey. Just days after bringing it home, he was headed down Little Sycamore Road in Chattahoochee with little Brint (who was not even 2 years old riding shotgun) to drill a well when a man pulled out in front of him. With no other choice, Darrell steered for the ditch, and the rig turned over. Later, he would recount the moment with humor, saying one of his first thoughts as he lay sideways in the cab was that he didn’t even have insurance—and that his good friend, Harold Dunham, was kicking out his only remaining window to check on him.
Devastated but resolute, Darrell got the rig back to the shop, straightened the derrick as best he could, and cut the top off the damaged cab. For months afterward he drove that rig—now roofless—down every back road, hoping not to get pulled over. As he often said, “failure wasn’t an option.” That event, like so many in his life, showcased his grit, resourcefulness, and refusal to quit, no matter the obstacle.
Through faith, family, and perseverance, Darrell built on what his father had started. Mack had struggled to prosper in the well drilling business, but Darrell elevated it to new heights with the help of his sons, the support of his wife and daughter, and by always putting God first. He believed his slightly blind left eye gave him a unique gift—that God used it to help him “see things level and plum” when others couldn’t. That perspective shaped both his work and his life: he could see possibilities where others saw problems. Many people that knew him stated that Darrell was always resourceful and one of the best fabricators around. Through all his early days of lacking funds and having to fabricate what he needed, when he needed it, Darrell would often say, “a poor man got poor ways.”
Darrell accomplished many things in his lifetime and did them all in what his family lovingly called “the Darrell way”. One of his proudest achievements came in recent years when he and his sons successfully drilled a 30-inch well in Orange Beach, Alabama—a well that any man could hang his hat on. Unbeknownst to Darrell at the time, it would later be recognized as the largest public well in the state. That project, a lifelong dream realized, exemplified the determination and skill that defined his career. In Darrell’s lifetime, his success at drilling over 3,000 wells tells the tale that he took the Clark’s Well Drilling business to the next level.
When he wasn’t working, Darrell could usually be found behind the wheel of a Ford—his lifelong favorite. He had a passion for speed in his younger days, spending evenings at the racetrack and weekends talking cars with friends. His love of the outdoors ran just as deep. What began as duck hunting trips during his high school years grew into a lifelong love of the hunt. In later years he found his hunting paradise in Kansas, where annual deer hunting adventures became a cherished tradition shared with family and friends. Today, his two sons, Brint and Trint, continue that proud Clark tradition as fourth-generation well drillers—and, much like their dad, they share his deep appreciation for Ford trucks and his love of Kansas hunting trips.
His daughter, Nikita, fondly recalls her wedding day, which was held outdoors at her parents’ home. Darrell was supposed to pick her up in a vintage Model A Ford pickup truck and drive her down to the pond, where she would disembark and he would walk her down the aisle. The only problem? The old truck hadn’t run in quite some time. Nikita admits she was a little apprehensive—wondering if the plan would even work. In true “Darrell way”, he rolled up his sleeves, tinkered under the hood, and got that stubborn old Model A running. With a grin, he proved once again that nothing, not even an antique truck, could get in the way of a plan—especially one that involved family and love.
Darrell was preceded in death by his father, Mack Clark and his brother, Ronald Clark. He is survived by his loving wife, Pam Clark, who stood faithfully beside him through every season of life. Together they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and faith. He was a proud father to his three children: Brint Clark and his wife, Meghan; Trint Clark and his wife, Kennessee and Nikita Clark McDougald and her husband, Chris McDougald. His greatest joy came from being “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren— Mackinna Elizabeth Clark, Ella Brinn Clark, Jeremiah Brice Clark (JB), Myla Grace Clark and Nehemiah Foxx Clark —who brought endless happiness to his days. “Big Daddy” wasn’t just a name; it reflected the big heart, big presence and boundless love he shared. As he often said to his kids, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends with a grin, “I love you—ain’t nothing you can do about it.”
He is also survived by his mother, Merita Stanley; his sister and brother-in-law, Denecier and Randy Earnest; and his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Ann Clark and many other family members and friends —all of whom shared countless memories, stories, and love throughout the years.
Darrell’s impact extended far beyond his family. Friends and extended family recall him as a man’s man through and through: selfless, steadfast, and full of wisdom. One close friend shared, “He led by example, worked hard, stood firm, and kept his faith strong no matter what.
The wells he drilled brought water to people, but the life he lived poured strength, wisdom, and godliness into everyone who knew him”. He built men. He built faith. He built a life that inspired others to live with purpose and integrity.
The family would like to publicly recognize the following individuals for the care and comfort theyprovided Darrell and his family during his short illness. We are so very thankful for you and appreciate you so much: Wendi Johnson, Emerald Coast Hospice, Dr. Mark Akerson, Dr. Vechai L. Arunakul, Dr. Tom Brown and his staff, and a big special thanks to these amazing people at Jackson Hospital Infusion Center: Jeremy, Beth, Desiree, and Samantha (who Darrell and Pam called their “Angel Girl”).
Darrell’s life was defined by hard work, deep faith, and a love for family and the simple joys of life. Whether drilling wells, tuning up a Ford, or sitting quietly in a Kansas deer stand, he lived with purpose and gratitude. Those who knew him will remember his easy laugh, his steady presence, and his unwavering devotion to the people he loved most, and all that knew him have their own stories to share. His legacy lives on in the hands of his children, the hearts of his grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched. Though his work here is done, the impact of his life—and the love of “Big Daddy” —will be felt for generations to come.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Clark's home (1700 Blount Road, Grand Ridge, FL 32442) from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Sneads Assembly of God Church with Reverends Bill Mayo, Kelvin Johnson, Scott Morris and Allen Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in Cypress Cemetery with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Darrell Eugene Clark to Christians United for Israel or Jentezen Franklin Ministries.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.mariannachapelfh.com