Phillip Bryan Clark

Command Sergeant Major Phillip Bryan Clark, U.S. Army (Retired), 85, of Hudson, Florida, passed away peacefully at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, July 24, 2025, with his daughters by his side. He was born in 1939 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late George B. Clark, Sr. and Zelda (Benn) Clark.

CSM Clark served his country with distinction and loved being a career soldier. He started in counterintelligence, served three combat tours in Vietnam, was an instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point and the USMA Preparatory School, served with U.S Army Europe and culminated his military career as Command Sergeant Major, 3rd Battalion, 21st Field Artillery, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster with V device), Purple Heart (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster with V device), the Army Achievement Medal and many other honors. Though his accomplishments were numerous and his record exemplary, CSM Clark was most proud of the contribution he made as mentor to the noncommissioned officers and enlisted men with whom he served. After retiring from the U.S. Army in 1987, Mr. Clark had a second career as a compliance examiner with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.

Phil, affectionately referred to as “G-man” by his grandchildren, was known for his quick wit, keen intellect, strong will and personal resilience. He was a man of integrity and courage and could be depended on in every circumstance. He had a commanding presence, an inscrutable poker face and a penchant for tacos. He was an accomplished cook, gifted in the art of comfort food, and particularly known for his mammoth popovers and superb chicken salad. A scholar and a teacher at heart, Mr. Clark wrote two novels and co-authored countless academic projects with his three daughters. He was the consummate family man and devoted his life to taking care of the people he loved.

Respected by his fellow soldiers and colleagues, beloved by his family and friends, Phil Clark’s life was a testament to the values he held dear. Words are insufficient to convey the depth of his family’s sorrow at the passing of this good man.   

Phillip is survived by his daughters Dr. Paula I. Clark of Hudson, Florida and Elaine M. Clark (husband Donald H. Angus) of Wareham, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Gabrielle Villarreal, Brittany Clark and Jacob Clark; his great granddaughter, Emma Villarreal; his brother, Arnold Clark of Centerville, Massachusetts and his sister, Sandra Domineau of Canton, Massachusetts.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Julie A. Clark; his daughter, Michelle A. Clark and his brother George B. Clark, Jr.

His family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the exemplary doctors, nurses and staff at The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, particularly the staff of the CLC-C, for the outstanding care they provided to Mr. Clark.

Mr. Clark will be interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. The committal service with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation at www.fisherhouse.org.

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