MS SC670

Charles Clark, who served 23 years on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals including 11 years as Chief Judge, passed away on March 6, 2011, and served from 1969-1992.

Clark wrote over 2,800 opinions during his tenure and was considered twice for the U.S. Supreme Court under Presidents Nixon and Ford.

As Chief Judge starting October 1, 1981, Clark served on the U.S. Judicial Conference and chaired its Budget Committee from 1981-1987; he was appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee in 1989, the highest federal judiciary position except for Supreme Court service.

Clark was a fourth-generation Mississippian born in 1925 who served in World War II and the Korean War before graduating from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1948 and practicing law in Jackson until his judicial appointment.

The resolution expresses condolences to his surviving family including his wife Emily, four sons, two daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.