LaFAYETTE, Ala. — Ronald Linwood Clark, Jr. was born May 3, 1952 in New Bern, N.C. to Mary Gibbs Mitchell Clark and Ronald Linwood Clark, Sr. He passed away February 24, 2018 at the age of 65. Ron finished New Bern High School in 1971. While attending school he worked in Greenville, N.C. as a police officer, earning his Associates in Applied Science-Criminal Justice degree at Pitt Community College, Greenville, N.C. In 1974, he earned his Bachelor of Science at North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount, N.C. In 1979, he attended the Virginia School of Polygraph, receiving certification that year.

Ron was president and CEO of his own business, Tidewater Security and Polygraph Services, Greenville, N.C. (1979-1993). At one time Ron held polygraph licenses in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and personally conducted over 15,000 polygraphs. He served as an officer and vice-president of the American Polygraph Association and is a former member of the American Polygraph Association, North Carolina Polygraph Association, Virginia Polygraph Association, South Carolina Association of Polygraph Examiners, North Carolina Polygraph Association (membership committee), and the International Polygraph Association.

While owning and operating this thriving business he still managed to find the time to earn a Masters in Criminal Justice, North Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C. (1993), traveling between Greenville, N.C. to Durham to attend classes. In 1993 he and his former wife moved to Montgomery, Ala., where he attended Jones Law School, earning a Juris Doctorate (1996).

He had been a member of the Alabama State Bar Association since 2000 practicing in Montgomery, Macon, Lee and Chambers counties in Alabama. Since 2009, he practiced predominantly in Chambers County. He enjoyed the practice  of criminal law and of late he had a special heart and focus for children as a guardian ad item. Up until this recent illness, Ron was actively involved as a member of Farmville Baptist Church, Auburn, and a member  of the Chambers County Bar Association.

Ron is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Farrar of Lanett, Ala.; a son, Taylor Mitchell Stokes Clark of Auburn, Ala.; a much loved nephew and nieces, James Murray (Cris), Parsberg, Germany; Jennie Murray Swain (Tommy),  Bridgeton, N.C. and Sharon Murray Turner (Dave), Portsmouth Va.;  numerous nieces nephews, great nephews and great nieces in Italy and in the U.S.; a maternal uncle, F. G. Mitchell, Marietta, Ga. and numerous cousins.

Also surviving is his former brother in law, Les Poudre (Rosalie) of Virginia Beach, Va.; Miles Bugg, Auburn, Ala.; step daughter Mary Beth Bugg (Eric Sayre), Auburn;  grandson Cooper Sayre, Auburn, and his closest friend, confidant and colleague, the honorable Sam M. Ingram, Montgomery, Ala.

He was preceded in death by both parents and sister Roselle Clark Poudre. A graveside memorial will be held at a later date in New Bern, N.C. In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made in his memory by supporting the Humane Society or Pet Rescue of your choice; or a special interest of his, the Keeping Family Connections (CASA) 1234 Commerce Drive Suite B, Auburn, Alabama.

Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette, Alabama is in charge of the arrangements.