Ted Barnett Clark, 77, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at St. Anthony's Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center.

Ted was born January 15, 1945, in Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, to the late Russell and Ruth Clark.

Ted graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, in 1966, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1968 with a Master's degree in Urban Studies, and from the University of Louisville with a Master's degree in Business.  He started his career as a professor and men's tennis coach at Cumberland College before starting an illustrious career serving as a city and regional planner for several municipalities in Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana.  He and his wife, Debby Clark, founded Briar and Bean coffee and smoke shop in 1983, where they worked until retirement.  In addition, he was the executive director of the Tobacconist Association of America (TAA) and served on several industry boards.  After retirement, he once again returned to the classroom as an adjunct professor at Brescia University and Kentucky Wesleyan College.

He was an avid tennis player and could often be found at the Doc Hosbach tennis complex either playing or cheering for his kids and grandkids.  He loved University of Tennessee football, but during basketball season, he rooted for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Ted was a member of Henderson General Baptist Church and was a Kentucky Colonel.

Ted was also devoted to rescuing animals.  He and his wife helped greyhounds across the country find their forever homes.  Their home and his heart were full of the animals he loved so dearly.  He is survived by his final greyhound, Bill Russell, and his many rescued cats.

The world will not be the same without "Papa T" in it. His sense of humor, appreciation of a good snack, and love of practical jokes and laughter will live on in his family.

His brother, Don Clark, and his cousin and dear friend, Anthony Clark, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Debby Clark; son, Brent Clark (Marty); daughter, Staci Clark; daughter, Kelly (Todd) Palmer; 2 grandchildren, Chandler Marshall and Merrick Conkright; sisters, Gloria (Dwight) Dickson and Faye (Eddie) Miller; mother-in-law Pearl Dixon; as well as many nieces and nephews and their children.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Henderson General Baptist Church, with Dr. Ray Barber officiating.  Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be from noon until service time Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Spirit's Homestretch Senior Dog Rescue (524 E. 27 ^th St. Owensboro, KY 42303), St. Anthony's Hospice (stanthonyshospice.org), or Henderson General Baptist Church (2880 Zion Rd. Henderson, KY  42420).

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .