Dr. William “Bill” Clinkscales
July 5, 1943 – November 3, 2012
Born in Abbeville, SC to a farm family, Dr. William “Bill” Clinkscales began what became a lifelong commitment to agriculture. Those who knew him lovingly referred to as “Clink” and he was known for being down to earth. His career with Clemson Extension started in 1965 as an Assistant County Agent in Berkeley County where he remained until 1969. Prior to his Extension work, Bill taught Vocational Agriculture. From 1969 until becoming Assistant Director of Field Operations, Bill worked in Marlboro County, served as a State 4-H Specialist, was 4-H Program Coordinator, District Program Leader for the Savannah Valley District, and Director of County Operations. Despite his leadership responsibilities and administrative success, it was his work with farmers and young people that stood out. Dr. Curtis White said, “his most rewarding experiences were seeing the growers’ progress after testing the newest techniques”. Dr. White also noted, “he was a master at bringing people together and helping them see the greater good in a total effort. He paved the way for many African American students in the Extension Service and the field of agriculture.”
From September 1965 to February 1969, Dr. Clinkscales was active in the United States Air Force Reserves. Dr. Clinkscales received his B.S. in Agriculture Education from South Carolina State College in 1965, his M.S. in Agriculture Education from Clemson University in 1974, and his Ed.D. in Adult and Continuing Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1984.
He was a member of several organizations, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which he was the founder of at Clemson University, Blue Ridge Lodge #97, Epsilon Sigma Phi Extension Fraternity, and Gamma Sigma Delta Agriculture Society, as well as an active Air Force Reserve member at Charleston Air Force Base for 26 years. Dr. Clinkscales’ hobbies included fishing, playing golf, and watching basketball and football.
While working with Clemson Cooperative Extension Service it has been noted that “Clink” would do anything that needed to be done. He was quoted as saying “what can I do to help you be successful” and truly meant it. He was retired from both the U.S. Air Force and Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
In conversations with those members of Extension that worked with him, his character was described as; honorable, dependable, jovial, light-hearted, fun, respectful, and higher standard. Dr. Clinkscales made outstanding contributions to 4-H and the youth in our state and loved watching others succeed.
He is honored with a Dr. William C. “Bill” Clinkscales Sr. ’74 Endowed Diversity Scholarship through Clemson University.
Submitted by: Marie O. Bolt, Clemson Cooperative Extension Development Liaison & Events Officer
