In Memoriam: Bill Clark

BEAUMONT, Texas - The pest control industry mourns the loss of Bill L. Clark, longtime owner of Bill Clark Pest Control and an important contributor to the growth of the pest control industry in Texas. Clark passed away on Nov. 18, at 89.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Clark enrolled at Texas A&M University on the GI Bill, where he graduated with a major in entomology. In 1957, Clark and business partner Don Stroope founded Beaumont, Texas-based Bill Clark Pest Control. In 1965, Clark became the sole owner of the company.

During the early years, Clark would sell in the morning and then change into work clothes and service in the afternoon and evening. Under Clark's leadership, Bill Clark Pest Control grew to be the largest Southeast Texas pest control company serving Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange as well as the Lakes area and down to Bolivar Peninsula.

Clark remained close to Texas A&M, helping raise funds for building projects and scholarships, and assisting the university's entomology program with field trials and employing several A&M graduates. His many contributions were recognized when he was honored as a member of the Texas A&M Legacy Society.

In 2018, longtime employee Josh Smith and his wife, Sarah, purchased the company from Clark, allowing the company the ability to stay local and entrenched in the community. "Mr. Clark meant more to me than I could ever put into words," Smith told PCT. "I'm thankful for the many years he spent teaching me the industry and how to run a successful business. He was a great mentor and was like family to me. Mr Clark will forever hold a special place in my heart."

Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Casey Clark; daughters Shannon Clark, Shawn Abbott, Jonna Clark (Brad Mitchell), Cullen Clark Lutz (John Lutz); son Wm. Chase Clark (Amy Clark); grandsons Taylor Abbott, Layton Lutz and Benjamin Clark; granddaughters Olivia Lutz, Ellie Clark and Annabelle Clark; sister Shirley Simpson; brother Jerry Clark.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, make any memorial contributions in Bill’s name to an organization of your choosing.

Additional source: Broussards