‘Rocky’ Clark remembered for being inspirational
BY BOB RAKOW Correspondent January 13, 2012 4:52PM
Rasul "Rocky" Clark's mother, Annette (second from left), is consoled by friends and neighbors as she arrives for his wake at A.R. Leak & Sons Funeral Home in Country Club Hills Friday, January 13, 2012. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 16, 2012 8:23AM
Twin sisters Wanda and Towanda Gray, of Dolton, didn’t know Rocky Clark personally.
But over the years, they had followed the inspirational story of the former Eisenhower High School football player, who kept a positive outlook on life even after he became a quadriplegic when he suffered a spinal cord injury during a game in 2000.
The Grays were among the first to pay their respects Friday evening at the visitation for Rasul “Rocky” Clark at A R Leak & Sons Funeral Home in Country Club Hills. Wanda Gray thought it was important to be there for Rocky’s mother, Annette Clark, because Gray also lost a child and feels her pain.
“My heart goes out to the mother,” she said. “I’m just glad it’s over. He’s at peace. He doesn’t have to suffer anymore.”
Jim Thomas, who knew Clark for several years and volunteered with the Gridiron Alliance that Clark helped found to help raise funds for those in situations like his, said Clark “had amazing will and heart. He never complained, and he had everything in the world to complain about.”
Thomas attended training camp and several Bears games with Clark.
“He never blamed football,” Thomas said. “He loved football. And he inspired a lot of kids.”
Hundreds of friends, family and supporters turned out to pay tribute to the Robbins man. A funeral service was scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3620 W. 139th St. in Robbins, with interment to follow at Burr Oak Cemetery, 4400 W. 127th St. near Alsip.
Clark, who lived the last 11 years of his life as a quadriplegic, died Jan. 5 at age 27. A family member said complications related to his lungs and kidneys was the cause of death.
Annette Clark said she was grateful for all the support Friday, and throughout her son’s ordeal.
“I thank the Lord for everyone who has been there for me and my son,” she said. “My son fought a good fight. My son did not feel sorry for himself at all.”
She said Rocky had been her inspiration.
“We’re going to miss him. I know he’s in a better place. He’s with the Lord,” she said.
Annette was Rocky’s primary “nurse” after his insurance ran out more than a year ago. Despite several fundraisers and attempts to raise awareness to Rocky’s plight, the medical bills outpaced the family’s ability to keep up financially.
The strain has taken its toll on Annette Clark. Asked what’s next for her after her exhaustive efforts, she said, “I just would like to hold onto my house. And I would like a vacation. I need a break.”
Karita Loggins, of Hazel Crest, a certified nursing assistant who frequently tended to Clark, said they often had long conversations late into the night. She continued to help care for him after the insurance ran out as well, and sometimes came by just to get him out of the house.
“He was always positive. He always had something positive to say,” she said. “He wasn’t going to let his disability handicap him.”
A family friend, Richard Stokes, of Robbins, said he had last talked to Clark about a month ago. He said Clark never complained about his fate.
“He was doing what he loved to do (when he was paralyzed),” Stokes said.
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