In loving memory of

William MacDonald Clark
August 10, 1939 - December 11, 2015

Clark, William Macdonald, age 76 passed away December 11, 2015. Born 1939, Logan County, West Virginia, 2nd child of Virginia Dare Phipps. Early schooling at Greenbrier Military Academy, graduate of the University of Virginia with BA degree in Economics in 1961 and earned JD from the University of Miami in 1968. Married Juliet Elaine Hamilton in Mobile, Alabama in 1962. Began as VP and General Merchandising Manager for Burdines of Miami and Rike's of Dayton, Ohio (divisions of Federated Dept Stores) for ten years. In 1972 joined Robinson's of St. Petersburg, Florida as CEO and then was named Chairman of Stix, Baer & Fuller of St. Louis, Missouri (divisions of Associated Dry Goods). After surviving a melanoma diagnosis at age 36, he moved back to South Florida in 1978 and co-founded the law firm, Thompson Clark, to be near family. He was recruited away after five years to Alamo Rent A Car where he quickly rose to Vice Chairman, President and Chief Marketing Officer and forever changed the industry with his proclamation that "all the miles are free." He was active on many corporate boards including The Lauderdale Marina, The 15th Street Fisheries and the McDonald Land Companies and was a mentor to countless young executives across the country.
He was a Ft. Lauderdale resident for over 60 years, a part time resident on Scotland Cay, Abaco Bahamas and was a summer resident on Grindstone Island in the Thousand Islands, New York for his entire life.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years and love of his life, Juliet Hamilton Clark and children Juliet Clark Bluestein of Alexandria, Virginia (Michael), William Macdonald Clark, Jr. (Jenifer) and Jennifer Clark Uustal (John) all of Ft. Lauderdale, brothers in law Ted Drum (Kathy) and Dick Clark (Jane), four nephews (Steven Clark, Scott Clark, Kelly Drum, Douglas Clark), two nieces (Lorrie Roschman, Allison Dumke) and six grandchildren: Harrison Clark Bluestein, Macy Macdonald Uustal, Hollis Phipps Bluestein, Mariah Hamilton Uustal, John Marcone Uustal, Willow Macy Clark and her brother Joseph Edward Conner. He was predeceased by his mother Virginia Phipps Cox, his father former Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Robert Osborne Cox, his brother John Stevens Clark (Barbara) and his sister Carol Clark Drum. Macdonald's generosity, compassion, irreverence, wit, humor and drive made him a giant of a man to all who knew him. He lives on in all of us.

A memorial service will be held this winter bringing together friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to www.standup2cancer.org or www.juniorwelfaresociety.org.

Tributes

Mike Stone wrote on Dec 17, 2015:

"So sorry to hear of Mac's passing. He was one in a million. All my best to all of you."

Roger Bingham wrote on Dec 15, 2015:

" Judy, Juliet,MacD and Jennifer, My deepest condolences to all of you. I personally am saddened beyond words to learn of MacDonald's passing. MacDonald meant so much to so many of us. He was the quintessential leader and mentor to me and hundreds of Alamo executives. MacDonald brought his wisdom, energy and heart all in equal measure to us everyday. MacDonald infused style, sophistication, an unparalleled work ethic and vision to a small off airport car rental company and culture. Alamo rent a car became a household name in America because of MacDonald's ability to galvanize people and his unrelenting quest for improvement in his product and people. I am fortunate to have many fond memories and stories of MacDonald. Judy will remember an evening at the family home with MacDonald and a young MacD putting on chest waders to go for a weekend of duck hunting at Lake Okeechobee. I had the pleasure of traveling with MacDonald often on business. I distinctly remember the two of us getting on an over booked flight to Boston.The overhead bins were completely full and closed. McDonald and I both had briefcases and gym bags overloaded with 30+ files (standard on board material for " Mac"). We both had to sit with our knees in our chest and our feet on the gym bags. McDonald looked at me with that twinkle in his eye and we laughed out loud at our plight ! ...I got the middle seat. Just one of many great LIFE LESSONS: It's not often that you get to look directly into a man's heart. We were bundled up for subzero weather at the downtown Chicago Marriott in the late1980s. We were in the elevator and on our way to meet United Airlines SVP Chris Bowers and others for dinner. We were last out of the elevator and saw a young Army private getting sick in a waste can nearby. Everyone walked by..... except MacDonald. MacDonald knelt down next to the young man and asked where he was staying that night. The inebriated soldier said he did not know. McDonald asked me to stay with the young man and returned15 minutes later with a room key. We helped him up to a room that MacDonald had paid for on his personal credit card. MacDonald told him to get some much needed rest and be sure to charge some food to eat to the room account when he was feeling better and ready to eat. On our way downstairs, MacDonald looked me straight and I and said " that could be either one of us at that age, count our blessings " Thanks for the blessings MacDonald..... Roger"