Bedding industry veteran John Clark dies at 57

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, December 14, 2011

ORLANDO, Fla. — Bedding veteran John Clark, 57, died here recently of an apparent heart attack.

John Clark

Clark had spent several decades in the bedding industry and was most recently eastern regional vice president of sales for Southerland, the independent bedding producer he joined five months ago.

"John had touched those who worked with him in special ways - his continuous smile and positive greetings, his focus and persistence, and his energy and enthusiasm for the company and its customers," Southerland said in a statement announcing his death. "John was a key member of the Southerland family and will be greatly missed."

Clark began his mattress career at Sealy, where he worked for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining Southerland, Clark held sales management positions with King Koil in Virginia, Spring Air and Boyd Specialty Sleep.

He is survived by his wife and two sons.