Clark Jefferson Temple

Clark Jefferson Temple, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Clark was born on April 17, 1943, and was a lifelong resident of Laurel, MS. He was also known to family and friends as Daddy, Poppa, Pop, Uncle Dink, Jeff, and J.D. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Clark and Daisy Temple, and siblings Paul Temple, Nelson Temple, Louie Temple, Annie Temple Windham, Sudie Temple Lewis, Lamar “Skinny” Riley, Roland “Slick” Temple, and Nita Temple Phillips McRae. Clark is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Taleta Dukes Temple; daughter, Paula Marie Temple McElhenney (Jarvis); granddaughter, Miranda Leigh McElhenney Smith (Danny); and great-granddaughter, Finleigh Noelle Smith; daughter, Kristie Leigh Temple Sumrall (Dale); grandson, Samuel Martin Sumrall (Madison). He is also survived by his siblings, Brenda Temple Luckie, Floyd Temple (Cheryl), and Nell Temple Hopkins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Clark had a very strong work ethic, devoting his life from a teenager to retirement as a steel fabricator at Laurel Machine & Foundry Company. After retirement, he spent his days working with his dear friend Danny Byrd and sons Kris, Kevin, and Ken Byrd. Clark loved to be on the go--outside lawn-mowing, fishing, or woodworking in his shop, and was well known for his bird houses and duck boxes. He always loved a challenge to fix anything! He enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves and going to Southern Miss baseball games. Clark had a very deep love for his family and friends, and his church family. He had a firm foundation of hard work and a devotion to faith and family. He was a servant leader and deacon as a lifelong member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and cherished his church family. Clark was a loyal, strong, and determined man that will leave a legacy to his family of wisdom and truth in his good name. We are unsure as what we will do without “Poppa” with us, but we know he is reunited with those gone before him, and is with our Lord, waiting for his family and friends. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the many people in our community who have prayed for our family during this very difficult time. All family and friends are cordially invited to attend a graveside service on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Gardens Cemetery at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 895 Lower Myrick Road, Laurel, MS, with Rev. Ken Harrison and Rev. Gene Douglas officiating. In Clark’s honor and memory, any donations can be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2302, Laurel, MS 39442. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Clark Jefferson Temple

April 17, 1943 - November 19, 2025