Mr. Joseph L. Clark, lifetime resident of Ripley, Miss., dies at his residence on July 30, 2008.  Joe had Mantle Cell Lyphoma.  He was diagnosed on July 3, 2007.  Joe fought his battle as a man and died with dignity.  The love of his stallion, Smooth Like JFK, gave him the reason to fight for his life.  Joe Lynn, as people knew him, and his wife Betty accepted many awards this show season.  His last show was in Guntown, Miss.  Smoothie as he is affectionately called by Joe wore the roses there.  Smoothie seemed to know this was his masters last ride.

The Walking Horse industry will miss Joe greatly.  We acknowledge Ray and Mary Ellen Gilmer for the outstanding concern and respect for Joe's illness.  Ray gave us the ride of our life with Smoothie.  Generating Blues, an older stallion kept at home died the same day as Joe.  God called Joe home, but God knew that Joe would ride that Tennessee walking horse into heaven.  He loved them so.

May God bless each and everyone for all the heart felt memories that were given to us during his illness and death.