Tullie T. Clark was born in the Shiloh Community near Elba, in Coffee County, on August 25, 1891. The son of Lias Berry Clark and Ida Moore Clark was the eldest of four children. The family included a brother, Fulton, and two sisters, Bertie Clark Cain and Estelle Clark Harrison.
Tullie developed a strong work ethic growing up on the family farm. He attended school in Brooklyn in rural Coffee County. At an early age, he ventured into his first business enterprise, the installation of water pumps and freshwater wells for the people of Covington and Coffee Counties. This business pursuit led him to locate in Opp, and here he met and married Pearl Jones on December 24, 1922. Mrs. Clark taught school in the Opp Elementary School as a young woman and again when World War 11 created a shortage of teachers.
Mr. Clark’s business interests began to branch out as he installed and operated the first sawmill and planer mill in Opp and sawed the lumber for the houses he built. He built the offices for the cotton mills and all the older warehouses at the mill. He built storehouses and other commercial structures as well as houses. In the years following World War 1, Clark continued to diversify as he was commissioned by the county to construct and maintain numerous roads and bridges. He formed a partnership with his brother Fulton for the operation of a mercantile company on North Main Street and introduced coal and coke to Opp. He furnished coke to all the schools in the county and other businesses in and around Opp. Additional interests of “Mr. Tullie” included a cotton gin and feed mill and the operation of a large farm below Horn Hill.
Tullie Clark possessed a great interest in agriculture, diversification measures, and the application of scientific techniques to grow better crops and improved yields. As a farmer and buyer of agricultural commodities, Clark expanded the markets, increased competition, and made Opp a more attractive marketing center for the farmers of the region. He would buy anything the farmers brought to town.
Clark was a builder of roads and bridges, of commercial buildings and private residences. He was also a builder of men with a special interest in the growth and development of children. He was set apart by a unique wit and love for people. He was directed by common sense principles in his life and work. Goodwill and helpfulness pervaded his personality. These characteristics were easily conveyed to employees, customers, and business associates. He was quick to come to the aid of others, particularly those of less fortunate circumstances. Most often his acts of kindness were anonymous. Whatever the occasion, good or bad, he would temper his remarks by starting most of them with the expression, “Awww Shaww”.
Clark was a member of the Order of Freemasonry, and his wife was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Both were active members of the First Baptist Church. They were strong supporters of it’s several missions.
Tullie Clark was a rather quiet man with a simple lifestyle. He became associated with the business life of Opp in the formative period of the city. His life and work reflect special dimensions and leave a constructive legacy. Tullie Clark died May 19, 1961, at the age of 70. Pearl Clark died on June 25, 1961. They are buried in the Opp City Cemetery. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
