Founding & Vision
Clark Memorials was founded in Americus, Georgia in 1898 by C.J. Clark. In 1932, shortly after the company was moved to Macon, Hamilton Holt, son-in-law of the founder became President. He employed Harry Barnwell who became instrumental in transforming the company from a small-town craft into an integrated industry. Until his death in February of 1991, Mr. Barnwell provided vision and guidance to the company, as it became one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of monuments.
In 1946, first steps were taken to expand the company. Charles Joyner went to Birmingham to establish Clark Memorials of Alabama. In the late 40’s Clark Memorials purchased manufacturing facilities in Elberton, Georgia. This move assured delivery of materials as needed and the quality control necessary to meet our high standards. In 1953, The Cordele Marble Company, founded by L.G. Booth in 1905, was purchased to become a subsidiary of Clark Memorials.
In 1976 Clark Memorials was purchased by long-time associates Asbury Stembridge and Fred Markert. After Mr. Markert’s death in 1982, sole guidance of the company was in the capable hands of Asbury Stembridge whose business acumen and foresight have prepared Clark Memorials for the threshold of the new century.
In March, 1988, Mr. Sam Orr was elected Vice President for operations for Clark Memorials in the central Georgia area. Mr. Orr is the grandson of long-time Macon Jeweler, Sam Orr. His executive expertise began to infuse progressive ideas into the business and in 1992 he was elected President of the company.
Rock of Ages, a Vermont Company, owned Clark Memorials from 1998 until 2006. In 2006, the company was purchased and placed back into local ownership. For the next 20 years was owned and managed by Jeff Ellis and Scott Harrell. They both brought knowledge and experience having worked in the industry in Georgia and Kentucky. Together they rebuilt the company with a return to many of the long-held historic values of a family-owned memorial company.
In April of 2026, Jeff Ellis retired after 20 years of service at Clark Memorials. Today, Scott, along with a new generation of leaders and managers, who have grown up in the company are continuing to serve the families of Middle Georgia. With their eyes on the future, they are infusing new efficacies to better serve the Baby Boom Generation and all those who follow.
A memorial produced by Clark Memorials is the best value available today. The purchase of a Clark Memorials product assures you of the finest materials, the best craftsmanship, stellar customer service and an exceptional warranty to insure your future peace of mind that the memorial you so carefully chose will retain its beauty for generations to come. Since 1898 Clark Memorials has been continually serving the families of Georgia and Alabama.