Obituary
Florida Boxing Hall of Famer, Harold Scott “Golden Boy” Clark, age 65, passed away on December 21, 2023 at 8:52 pm after a prolonged battle with dementia. His final days and moments were spent serenely in his home in Brandon, surrounded by wife, Ronna, brother Jim/sister- in-law Denise, and close friend/caregiver, Melissa Pigg.
Born August 17, 1958, to father James Thomas Clark, mother Lena Mae Smith (both predeceased), Scott defied expectations of survival after his birth in Richmond, KY. A fighter in every sense, he persevered for 65 years, earning the nickname, “Golden Boy,” possibly due to his golden, curly hair and gold trunks.
Growing up in Casselberry, Florida, he lived with his dad, brother, step mom and late sister Lori Kay Clark. Scott discovered his passion for boxing at an early age. His dad, his staunchest supporter, witnessed Scott’s journey. Despite not winning the World Welterweight Championship on January 29, 1979 at the age of 20, Scott’s tenacity earned him induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012—a moment he cherished deeply.
Marriage to Jean Ann Stohler resulted in a son, Brandon James Clark (predeceased)—a source of great pride for Scott. In the aftermath of his professional boxing career, Scott faced challenges, but continued to survive and rise above, adhering to his lifelong mantra, “Be strong, be fearless and do it”.
Married for 38 years to Ronna, Scott excelled in Paramedic school, ultimately joining the personal medical team for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Scott, an animal lover, always had cats and dogs, including his feline companions Amy, Billy, PeeWee and Yoda who never left his side.
In 2013, a decade-long battle with dementia and progressive medical condition commenced for Scott. Despite many moments of recognition loss, the power of song, particularly Riser, by Dierks Bentley, provided consistent positivity—he would even sing the “Baby, I’m a fighter” line and smile. Dierks dedicated the song to Scott at a concert, marking him as “my buddy Scott.” Yet, Scott never surrendered—he remained a survivor and a riser until his last breath.
Survived by his wife, Ronna (Hayden) Clark, brother James Rice (Denise) Clark, Sister Terri Clark (Sandy) Boggs, brother-in-law, Tony Hayden, nieces and nephews Melany Clark (Greg) Johnston, Heather Clark (Jim) Bray, Betsy Boggs (Travis) Charlton, Julie Boggs (J.T.) Fritsche, Greg Scott Boggs (Karryl) and many great nieces and nephews. Scott’s Celebration of Life will be held at Serenity Meadows on December 29 at 2:00 pm, with visitation starting at 1:30 pm.