Franklin Clark, last of four children born to the late Adam Clark, a Bahamian immigrant and Fannett Smith a native Miamian, on May 5,1937. Franklin began his education at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School; he later matriculated to Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School.  At an early age, Clark displayed signs of ingenuity, focus and determination. He learned early that progress and success are attained by hard work and wisdom. He attended Booker T. Washington High School where he captured the hearts of many teachers and classmates with his outgoing personality and charm. While at "Booker T," "Frank" used his oratorical skills by serving as campaign manager for his lifelong friend (Father) J. Kenneth Major as he ran for the office of president of the Student Government Association. He also played the French horn in the "Marching Tornadoes" band under the direction of "The Maestro" Mr. Timothy 0. Savage.

With an irresistible personality that afforded him unrivaled popularity, he was chosen to serve as student counselor for the male students. Clark's hard work and academic integrity was rewarded with exceptional academic productivity and was highlighted when he graduated salutatorian of the class of 1955. After graduating, Clark enrolled at Florida Memorial College (University) in St. Augustine, Florida. He was inspired to become a member of the Delta Psi Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In 1956, this dream became a reality and added impetus to his quest for a complete existence, he would eventually become its president. Clark's level of involvement was phenomenal, as he maintained a high level of academic productivity and was inducted to the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society.

In 1959, Clark was hired as a new teacher at A.L. Lewis Elementary School in Homestead. He earned a Master Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Barry University, and received certification for Educational Administration and Supervision from Florida Atlantic University and University of Miami. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed administrator at Primary "C" School, later named Thena Crowder Elementary. He organized the Boys and Cub Scouts Troop # 204 at Thena Crowder and Charles R. Drew Middle Schools. He was also an administrator at Charles R. Drew Middle School before retiring from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools with more than forty (40) years of service. Deacon Franklin Clark was a member of Historical St John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church for more than 70 years, and was very active in his beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he has been honored both as Brother of the Year on the local and national level, and served faithfully as a member of the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter until his health began to decline in 2014.

Clark was married to the former Lola Jean Jarmon for 48 years. He had four children, Jeffrey, Darryl, Terrence and LaShandra, two grandsons, Jeffrey Clark, Jr and Jajuan Clark. He was loved and adored amongst his family and friends. Franklin lived his life by this quote, "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." - Shirley Anita Chisholm