He was responsible for one of the most iconic plays in NFL history that began our run of Super Bowl championships, but to me, he will always be an extension of my family. Dr. Clark was a good friend. He was a true pioneer in his fields of endeavors. A native of Kinston, North Carolina, Clark played collegiately at Clemson before he became a 10th-round pick of the 49ers in the 1979 NFL draft. Kelly Clark. He was born . Dwight Clark has been working as a Manager, Construction at R&R Homes for 18 years. In the time since his diagnosis, Clark said he had lost strength in both hands, his midsection, lower back and his right leg while also losing significant weight. Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark passed away Monday after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Clark caught a leaping touchdown pass from Joe Montana to send the 49ers to their first of five Super Bowl wins. He was unhappy and considered transferring to play basketball at Appalachian State University, until he was finally allowed to play offense. Dwight Witt Clark, MD was born in McKenzie, Tennessee in 1934, to Dwight Witt Clark, Sr and Nona Allen Clark. Ive missed you and thought of you often for many years. May God surround you with his love and peace. Dwight R. Clark, 66, passed away suddenly at his home at Fine Lake on Sunday July 19, 2020. Dwight Clinton Clark (1956 - 2008) - District of Columbia He enjoyed church activities, gardening, lawn work, fishing and particularly his beloved pets. He caught just 33 passes for the Clemson Tigers from 1976 to 1978. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. He was born November 9, 1927 in Odell, Illinois, the son of Mary Agnes (Gayner) READ MOREObituary - Kenneth Oelschlager, Dwight Posted in: Dwight, News, Obituaries Today, I lost my little brother and one of my best friends. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? "We extend our condolences and prayers to Dwight's wife, Kelly, his family, friends and fans, as we join together to mourn the death of one the most beloved figures in 49ers history. He will forever live on in our memories for The Catch but also for his kind, gentle and courageous spirit.". Jennifer and I are heartbroken over his passing," Montana wrote in a Twitter post Monday night. After nine seasons with the 49ers, Clark retired following the 1987 season. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Clark was on the receiving end of the iconic game-winning touchdown -- memorialized as "The Catch" -- in the 1981 NFL Championship Game. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. The extra point gave the 49ers a 28-27 lead. The 49ers were 214 in 1978 and had the same record in 1979. Clark played college football at Clemson University and was selected by the 49ers in the tenth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. To learn more, He was unhappy enough to consider transferring, but he was finally allowed to play offense. Clark revealed in March 2017 that he hadamyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In 1988, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame. To honor his contribution to 49ers, the club retired his #87 in 1988. pic.twitter.com/FT6lE4qAGD, In a statement, DeBartolo said that he "lost my little brother and one of my best friends.". He sure loved taking boat rides to the cove. It would be hard to say Ive had a bad life, even though Ive had a bad break now, Clark said in a video commissioned from NFL Films for the occasion, Sports Illustrated reported. And I stopped thinking about it, because so much happened after that. "I will always remember Dwight the way he was -- larger than life, handsome, charismatic and the only one who could pull off wearing a fur coat at our Super Bowl parade. Dwight will always carry a special place in our hearts and his legacy will live on as we continue to battle this terrible disease.". When Walsh called to arrange a workout for Fuller, Clark happened to answer the phone. Heaven has gained a general! You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. I always remember him liking the water and laughing there. Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery 5668 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN DWIGHT CLARK OBITUARY Dwight Witt Clark, MD Memphis - Dwight Witt Clark, MD was born in McKenzie, Tennessee in 1934,. The 49ers went on to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals, 26-21, in Super Bowl XVI, for the first of four championships they would win in the 1980s. A true innovator and taught me a lot about how to care for patients. He was Executive Vice President and Director of Football Operations from 1999 to 2001. San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark dies at 61 A past Board of Trustees member of Johnson First Church of God, he served many years as the church treasurer and found it a distinct privilege and pleasure to have been actively involved in the construction of the Churchs Sanctuary Building in 1995. Dwight loved his winters in Goodyear, AZ, since retiring. He got there by good fortune after only 33 catches in three college seasons as former 49ers coach Bill Walsh needed someone to catch passes from Steve Fuller at a pre-draft workout. He joined the Cleveland Browns in an executive role in 1999. San Francisco 49ers legend Dwight Clark passed away Monday at the age of 61, his family confirmed. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. By his rookie year he always left the playbook on his bed just in case he ever got cut. The strength, perseverance and grace with which he battled ALS will long serve as an inspiration to so many. (72 years old). He was predeceased by : his parents, Roy Ernest Clark and Zora Elizabeth Bloomfield Clark; his brothers, Douglas Clark and Wayne Clark; and his mother-in-law JoAnne Lewis Howell. McCrary, Dwight L. (Whitwell) - Chattanoogan.com He was a 1972 graduate of Bronson High School. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. He also played on the 49ers 1984 team, which defeated the Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl. He was 61. I offer my sincere condolences to Kathy, Karen, Holly, Dwight, Katie and the entire family. Dwights greatest joy was being with his family members, especially his grandchildren. championship in their. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. "The San Francisco 49ers family has suffered a tremendous loss today with the passing of Dwight Clark," the team said in a statement. One of whom we loved. When his career ended in 1987, Clark moved into the team's front office, where he earned three more Super Bowl rings as an executive. It was honor to work with Dwight for the 49ers Draft Party, back in 2010. "And the 49ers heard that and flew all these players in so I could see them one more time.". Dwight Clark Obituary (2010) - Seattle, WA - The Seattle Times - Legacy.com Dwight Clark making what came to be called simply The Catch to tie the score with less than a minute to go in the 1982 N.F.C. This is a developing story. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Dwight can recall a grin on his face, the. The 49ers held "Dwight Clark Day" last season at an Oct. 22 game against the Dallas Cowboys. [17], In the 1981 NFC Championship game, on January 10, 1982, against the Dallas Cowboys, the 49ers trailed 2721 with 58 seconds to play. Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Jul. Farewell dear friend and neighbor. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Dwight Clark Keatts to pay them a last tribute. We'll miss your smile, laughter and dry sense of humor. 27 Flowers or Condolences have been shared with support of Dwight's family -. He showed tremendous courage and dignity in his battle with ALS and we hope there will soon be a cure for this horrendous disease. Dwight Clark did not look good when he arrived at the Giants' ballpark on a sunny day in April 2017 for a photo shoot with Willie Mays. We lost a great one!!! Known as "Sprint Right Option," the play became one of the most iconic in league and franchise history. American football player and executive (19572018), National Football League Players Association, "49er great Dwight Clark receiver who made The Catch dies at 61", "Dwight Clark, San Francisco 49ers receiver who made 'The Catch,' dies at 61", "One of Charlotte's greatest pro athletes has died", "Dwight Clark, 49ers receiver of The Catch, dead at 61", "Former Clemson great Dwight Clark passes", "Dwight Clark of Clemson football, 49ers fame dies from ALS", "Dwight Clark, 61, Dies; Made a Touchdown Catch for the Ages", "Illness robbed us of Dwight Clark, but not of his spirit", "49ers flashback: 1979 team was dreadful despite Walsh, Montana, O.J. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Dwight Clark of Denton, Texas, who passed away at the age of 91, on June 27, 2021. The day Dwight Clark met Willie Mays, the men who made The Catch for As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. https://t.co/RqU0fFT98g. Dwight always had a smile for everyone and loved being with you. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief Delores. Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time. I want to personally thank him for believing in me as a leader. When the 49er contingent arrived on campus, Clark answered the phone by chance on his way out to play golf and was convinced to participate as Fuller's pass catcher at the workout, where Walsh was impressed with his receiving skills.[3][7][14]. "That's all I wanted, to see him smiling. [19] During the 1981 season, Walsh had Montana practice that part of the play back in training camp. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. He was dedicated to cardiology, being a pioneer in the field throughout his career. Clark leaped to make a fingertip catch over Everson Walls and the 49ers went on to win the game 28-27 and then their first Super Bowl two weeks later against Cincinnati. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Dwight Clark, San Francisco 49ers Receiver Behind 'The Catch', Dead At He was born in Keene, NH, January 03, 1951, the son of Roger C. and Jeannette L. (Mitchell) Clark. [33] "I've been asked if playing football caused this," Clark wrote. [1] [2] He was a member of San Francisco's first two Super Bowl championship teams. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. . "[18], Clark died of the disease on June 4, 2018. Kelly Clark. There are no events at this time. Following his sterling career on the field, Clark worked his way through San Francisco's front office, ultimately rising to general manager. He is also survived by numerous extended family and friends. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and a great friend and teammate. [5] He served as the general manager of the 49ers from 1995 to 1998 and in the same capacity with the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2001. Dwight Clark - Manager, Construction - R&R Homes | ZoomInfo You have funeral questions, we have answers. May you Rest In Peace, Dwight! Phil Huber/The Dallas Morning News, via Associated Press. He was a member of Kellogg 25 Year Club and American Legion Post #484. [16][31], Clark married Kelly Radzikowski in 2011. [22] On May 14, 2002, he resigned from his position with the Browns after new head coach Butch Davis requested the right to make personnel decisions. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. As Clark was heading out to play golf, he got a call from Walsh asking him to handle receiving duties for Fuller in the workout. He was born in Keene, NH, January 03, 1951, the son of Roger C.. Dwight W Clark Burial arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park. 2023 Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Funeral arrangement under the care ofNorthcutt & Son Home For Funerals, Inc. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In a moving tribute to Clark's legacy, NFL Network's Michael Silver wrote last September that the former player and executive "carried an aura of awesomeness into his post-football existence: Handsome, charming and perpetually cheerful, the man lit up a room without acting as though he owned it. SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Retired San Francisco 49ers legend and beloved Bay Area sports figure Dwight Clark has passed away Monday after a battle with ALS, according to his family. He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. Thank you for everything that you taught us nurses about cardiology. Survived by his wife, Dolores Clark, his daughter Jessica Clark of Greenwood, IN, stepdaughter Amy Boucher (Jack) Cronk of Battle Creek, MI and stepson Adam Wing of Peoria, AZ, grandchildren Breana Wolf, Tayler Wing and Masen Wing. Specialties Specialty Cardiology Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart disease, such as congenital heart defects, coronary artery. And yet, Dwight seemed to handle it in stride and the two of them, The Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, they used to have fun playing off of each other, or who would take the credit, and this and that and so forth. He lived an adventurous Life, including being a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and working on an assembly line in Detroit before. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Dwight L. McCrary, 69, of Whitwell, Tennessee was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 26, 2023. William Dwight Clark Obituary. He was predeceased by : his parents, James Clark and Bernice Pratt. No words are adequate to express my personal and professional regard, respect for him. The Niners would go on to win Super Bowl XVI, the first professional sports championship the city of San Francisco had ever experienced. draft, having caught just three touchdown passes playing for Clemson. Dwight Clark Obituary It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dwight Clark of Cedar Hill, Missouri, born in Gideon, Missouri, who passed away on September 25, 2022, at the age of 73, leaving to mourn family and friends.