Gary Lynn Clark, Greenwood, IN, passed away on the early morning of Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was 80 years old. Gary was born in Barbourville, KY, and he was raised by his beloved father, Earl Haywood Clark. Gary was an athlete in his youth; he enjoyed playing basketball, football, and baseball. Gary married his wife, Ilissa Solomon, on January 7, 2017, and they shared 9 years of marriage together.
Gary had several jobs and career paths throughout his life to support his family and stay busy. He owned and operated Superior Carpet Cleaners for many years. He worked for Ford for a short time and later became the Head of Maintenance for two condominiums in Hallandale, FL. Gary was raised a Southern Baptist and was very serious about his religious convictions. He did become a member of a Southern Baptist church while he lived in Plantation, FL. Gary had a passion for sports and the values they can instill in young people. He was an accomplished coach in football, basketball, and especially baseball. Gary enjoyed coaching his son, Earl, while he played and continued coaching long after he hung up his cleats. He became the Commissioner of the Hollywood Optimist Baseball Club and led several travel baseball teams to compete in the Corey League World Series. Gary earned a baseball coaching award while he volunteered and shared his passion for the game. Additionally, Gary served as a player/manager of a semiprofessional baseball team for a time. He also enjoyed walking; he tried to always walk five miles every day. He loved to play Euchre and loved animals; he raised several beloved pets including a dog and a bird. Gary loved to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Gary will be dearly missed and forever cherished by those he leaves behind.
Gary is survived by his wife, Ilissa Solomon; his children, Earl (Carmen) Clark, and Laura (Randy) Elliott; his grandchildren, Zachary (Brooke) Clark, Brady Elliott, Brody Elliott and Bailey Elliott; his great grandchildren, Jaxson and Avery; his nephew, Gary (Julie) Younger.
Gary is preceded in death by his father; his sister, Glenda Hopkins; his bird, Sam; his dog, Betsy.
A graveside service will be held for Gary at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in the Benjamin Franklin Mausoleum chapel at 1:30 pm on Monday, February 9, 2026. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
For those choosing to make memorial contributions, please send donations to IndyHumane.