WOODBINE, Ga. — A Camden County pastor is paying tribute to the man who was shot and killed Sunday afternoon. Joe Clark was shot in the middle of a road in Deerwood Village in Woodbine, Georgia. Clark’s grandson was injured in the shooting. 

Marcos Bosque is the senior pastor at the First Baptist Church of Harriett’s Bluff. He said he had just seen Clark at church that Sunday morning. 

“He left here at 12:15, he was shot dead in the street at 12:59 was the time they put the shooting,” Bosque said.

Bosque said Clark had been a member of the church for a couple of years and had become a good friend. He is still trying to wrap his mind around Clark’s death.

“I said somebody has to get over here and tell these people they have no idea who was shot in the street. This was not some average guy who was out to hurt somebody, this was a minister of the church who was trying to help people,” Bosque explained.

Clark has already made a lasting impact at the church. Deacon George Gross said he was known for his selflessness and gentle spirit around the sanctuary. 

“He gave from himself; he never asked for anything. He was a genuine human and friend,” Gross said.

Deacon Dan Waldron added that Clark will also be remembered for his humor.

“He always had jokes, which we all enjoyed, especially during church services,” Waldron said.

Bosque told First Coast News that Clark’s family is devastated. Clark’s mother and father also attend the church.  

The Camden County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating what happened leading up to the shooting. So far, no arrests have been made. Sheriff Kevin Chaney said in a statement he wanted to conduct a ‘thorough and unbiased investigation.’

Bosque is now trying to make sense of the tragedy and provide comfort to not only Clark’s family, but to the entire community.

“I can tell you, Joe loved God and he was definitely called to God’s purpose. So there’s got to be something positive in the midst of this that God is using to bring about,” Bosque explained.

Clark’s funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church of Harriett’s Bluff at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Bosque said everyone is welcome to attend.