Linda B. Gambrell, PhD. (1942-2024) professor emerita in the Eugene T. Moore School of Education at Clemson University and a past president of the International Reading Association (IRA, now the International Literacy Association, ILA), died on August 6, 2024, at the age of 82. Considered a towering figure in the literacy field, Gambrell’s contributions as a researcher, educator, leader, and friend leave an indelible mark on the profession and the countless lives she touched. Her career was one of dedication, innovation, and quiet leadership. As Kathy Headley, emerita professor of literacy and senior associate dean at Clemson University, and a past president of ILA, aptly described, “Linda B. Gambrell was a steel magnolia. Gambrell possessed her own leadership style for supporting our beloved field of literacy. With her quiet energy, she guided three key literacy organizations as president. Her caring outreach touched the many lives of family, friends, colleagues, students, and teachers. She made a meaningful impact and will be missed.”
James (Jim) Allen Reneke, PhD., (1937-2024) Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences, died on August 2, 2024. After earning his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Jim built his career as a professor of mathematics at Clemson University, 1966-2006. He loved being a mathematician and was always eager to explain how math was fundamental to modern life. Even during holidays and while on vacation he could often be found sitting quietly with a yellow pad of paper working on a math problem. As much as he loved math, he enjoyed a range of other interests and knew the importance of having fun to a life well-lived. Jim was an avid sailor and was active for many years in the Western Carolina Sailing Club and the Clemson University Sailing Club. He loved racing his Thistle sailboat on Lake Hartwell especially with one of his kids as crew. He fed his love of nature on camping trips, hiking, and walking on the beach. Edisto Island held a special place in his heart. Later in life, Jim and Sue took every opportunity to travel visiting many National Parks, including Yellowstone, and making several trips to Europe.
Daniel Warner, PhD., (1942-2024) Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences, passed away on June 29, 2024. Dr. Warner began his Clemson career on August 15, 1979, retiring in 2015 after nearly 36 years of service. He returned to work in a part-time position for another year. In addition to his time as a professor, he served as president of Faculty Senate and was active in the Emeritus College serving as the EC Liaison to the Senate and as interim director in 2018. He earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California at San Diego, receiving the Alston S. Householder Award for his doctoral dissertation in numerical analysis. Dan served in a variety of other positions specializing in computer-related activities over the course of his 50-year career: He was a programmer for the General Electric Corporation, a programming analyst at Arizona State University, a computer analyst at Airesearch, and a member of the technical staff of the Computing Mathematics Research Department at Bell Laboratories. In addition, Dan was a Lieutenant in Underwater Demolition Team Eleven for the United States Navy. While serving, Dr. Warner received a U.S. Navy Commendation and U.S. Navy Achievement Awards.
Dr. James Fanning (1931-2024) James (Jim) Collier Fanning, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, professor, and community member, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024. Born on November 8, 1931, in Atlanta, Georgia, Jim led a life defined by dedication to his family, education, and community service. Jim graduated from The Citadel in 1953, where he was a proud member of the Band Company. He pursued his passion for chemistry at Georgia Tech, earning both a Master’s and a PhD. His distinguished career included a long tenure as a professor of chemistry at Clemson University. He also took sabbaticals at the University of Illinois and National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a professor, he delighted students with his chemistry magic shows, sharing his love of science in an entertaining way. His lifelong passion for learning was evident in everything he did, and he encouraged others to pursue their educational journeys. James Collier Fanning’s life was a symphony of love, learning, and service. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were
Dr. V Sridharan (1966-2024), Professor Emeritus of Management and former chair of the Department of Management at Clemson University, passed in the early hours of June 21, 2024. Sridharan began his Clemson career on December 29, 1987, and served the University for more than 35 years before his retirement. He was greatly cherished, loved, respected, admired by his wife Uma, his daughter Suhas (and her husband Zac), son Jay Krishna, precious grandsons Adiraj and Vikram and many friends, colleagues, former Ph.D. students, and members of his extended family. He is greatly and deeply missed.
Dr. Jay Smink (1938-2024) Professor Emeritus of Educational and Organizational Leadership and Executive Director of the National Dropout Prevention at Clemson University, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Frances Smink and son of the late John Law and Irene Smink, Dr. Smink was born in Lykens, PA on January 24, 1938. He obtained a Bachelor’s in Industrial Education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s and Doctorate in Education from The Pennsylvania State University. He retired as the executive director of the National Dropout Prevention at Clemson University after 24 years and was awarded professor emeritus in Clemson University’s College of Health, Education, and Human Development.
Dr. Smink was a prominent leader, researcher, speaker, and author in the fields of mentoring, dropout prevention and at-risk youth. His work in dropout prevention led to the identification of effective strategies that continue to have positive and long-lasting effects within our education systems and society. Before Clemson University, his career included classroom teaching in public schools, leadership positions in state agencies, and research and administrative positions at the National Center for Technical Education at The Ohio State University. During retirement, he was active in Clemson’s Emeritus College, and he continued to serve on numerous national and state boards and commissions. His lifelong commitment to improving educational outcomes was recognized by many awards including the Governor and Mrs. Riley Award for significant contributions to South Carolina
Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Edward Nix, Sr. (1943-2024), Professor Emeritus of Forestry and Natural Resources passed away on April 17, 2024. Dr. Nix was a professor at Clemson University for 34 years when he retired in 2008. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mississippi State University, where he majored in forestry with an emphasis on the physiology of forest trees. In 1974, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He was a passionate hunter and loved his college students. Dr. Nix married Joyce Stephens in 1968, and they enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Dr. Thomas M. Keinath (1941-2024) Dean and Professor Emeritus Thomas M. Keinath has 37 years of academic experience including 30 years as an academic administrator. For 14 years he led the College of Engineering & Science which consists of 4,500 to 5,000 students and approximately 430 faculty and permanent staff. At the time, the College offered BS, MS and PhD degree programs in eight engineering disciplines and four physical and mathematical sciences. Keinath came to Clemson in 1962 as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Systems Engineering and after 37 years retired in 2006. Tom completed his doctorate and post-doctoral work at the University of Michigan in water resources engineering. Dean Anand Gramopadhye wrote in his letter to the college: “Tom was an exemplar scholar and researcher, a true giant in his discipline. As a faculty member of our college, chair of our environmental engineering department and later as a Dean of the College of Engineering and Science, he propelled us to great heights. But beyond his leadership, to many of us who knew him well, we will remember Tom not only as a great Dean, but a true gentleman, a caring mentor and friend. His kindness and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on all those who crossed his path. As we mourn his loss, we will also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Tom’s impact on the academic community and at Clemson will be remembered for years to come.” During his 37-year professional career as a member of the academy, Dean Keinath was very active in service to the major national and international professional organizations concerned with water quality control. Dr. Keinath completed two two-year terms as President of the International Water Association (headquartered in London) and as Chair of its Executive Committee and Governing Board. He served the American Society of Civil Engineers as Chair of its Clarifier Research Technical Committee. Dean Keinath also served as President of the Association of Environmental Engineering Professors and as well as a three-year term as Chair of the 150-member Program Committee of the Water Environment Federation. He also served on several committees and panels of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Science. Dr. Keinath has published extensively in the technical literature. Included are four books or monographs and well over 100 technical papers. Most of these have dealt with the modeling and control of water and wastewater treatment facilities and physicochemical methods of treatment. The majority of his research was focused on adsorption/exchange processes, secondary clarification, sludge treatment, and surface and aquifer soil remediation. Dr. Keinath was recognized by award of the Founders Award by the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science professors in 2002. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the nation in environmental engineering education. In 1997, Dr. Keinath was conferred the Gordon Maskew Fair Medal by the Water Environment Federation for his lifetime accomplishments in the education of environmental engineer professionals. Dr. Keinath also was recognized by his alma mater, The University of Michigan, by being conferred the Alumni Society Merit Award (1996). In 1995, Dr. Keinath received the Harrison Prescott Eddy Medal for a publication, which appeared in Water Environment Research. In 1985, Dr. Keinath was awarded the Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize for his career research accomplishments. He has also been named a Chapter Honor Member of Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering honorary society, and an UNESCO Expert Lecturer. He has been recognized by the American Water Works Association by being conferred the Amsbury Academic Achievement Award. He is a member of numerous honor societies and is listed in significant biographical listings. The Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors and the Water Environment Federation has conferred distinguished service awards upon him. During his career, Dr. Keinath directed the research of 87 master’s, 15 Ph.D., and 8 postdoctoral students. Dean Emeritus Keinath was residing in Silverthorne, Colorado and more information will be shared as it is available regarding his service.
Dr. Paul Thayer Holmes (1935-2024) Paul Thayer Holmes, Clemson Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences, of West Columbia, died peacefully at home with family on March 4th, 2024. Paul taught at Clemson University for 33 years. Moving to South Carolina and Clemson was life changing for Paul when it came to outdoor activity. Lake Hartwell provided boating, skiing, and swimming. The proximity to the mountains and joining the Clemson chapter of the Sierra Club led to an over 50-year career in whitewater kayaking. This was mostly on the Chattooga River and other southeast Rivers but also on trips to Ecuador, Idaho, Oregon, and the Grand Canyon. Paul earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Washington State College and his doctorate in Mathematics from Stanford University. He was a professor at Purdue (4 years) and Rutgers (3 years, before settling into a 33-year career at Clemson University. He turned down far more lucrative corporate careers to teach, which he loved.
When describing Paul Holmes, the term “life-long learner” comes to mind. He was a voracious reader, learned woodworking and car repair at Tri County Tech, audited many French and Spanish courses, and became a beekeeper. He tried to learn to play the banjo, taught himself to roll a kayak from a book, and learned to drive a tractor. Paul was an avid runner and an excellent baker of breads.
Dr. Harold “Hal” Harris, Jr. (1939-2024) Harold (Hal) Monroe Harris, Jr., passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, with his wife Claudia by his side. Dr. Holmes – Hal – arrived at Clemson University in 1975, where he taught and worked with farmers in extension service for 28 years. He received many honors during his tenure at Clemson, including The Award for Faculty Excellence, The Distinguished Public Service Award, and induction into the Dairy Hall of Fame. In 2003, Dr. Holmes retired and was awarded the notable title of Professor Emeritus. Born and raised in Montgomery Alabama on his family’s dairy farm, he was the son of Harold and Lillian Haden Harris. Hal graduated Pi Kappa Phi from Auburn University and then entered the US Army, where he served in the 7th Cavalry division as a first lieutenant. He completed his education at Purdue University, earning a doctorate in Agricultural Economics. Hal was an Associate Professor at Virginia Tech before taking his position at Clemson. He loved outdoor activities and was an avid golfer, gardener, and fisherman. Hal was a devoted Tiger and War Eagle, never missing games. He was also a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and Sigma Xi honor society.
Dr. Gordon Lewis (1933-2024) Dr. Gordon Lewis, Clemson Professor Emeritus and Department Head of Ceramic Engineering (retired), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Dr. Lewis was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of the late H. Weldon Lewis and the late Dora Kropp Lewis. He was also predeceased by a sister, Judy Simpson. Dr. Lewis obtained his bachelor’s degree in Ceramic Engineering and earned his PhD in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University in Alfred, New York. He completed his post – doctoral fellowship at the University of Kansas – Lawrence. He was a former professor at the University of Missouri – Rolla and retired as the Department Head of Ceramic Engineering at Clemson University. He was active member at Seneca Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and an Adult Sunday School Teacher. Dr. Lewis was also a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge.
Subhash Chandra Anand (1933—2024) Dr. Subhash Chandra Anand, Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2024, with his loved ones by his side. Born in Lyallpur, India on July 27, 1933, he was the seventh of nine children of Bhagat Singh and Vidya Vati. He received his Civil Engineering degree from Banaras Hindu University. He then lived in Germany and worked in industry for six years before moving to the United States in 1964 to attend graduate school at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he received his Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering. While at Northwestern, he started his beloved family with his wife, Vera, and his two daughters, Mina and Indu. The family moved to Clemson, SC in 1972 where Dr. Anand joined the Civil Engineering department at Clemson University. He taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses and was principal advisor for several master’s and Ph.D. students. He received several prestigious awards, including the Quattlebaum Faculty Achievement award from Clemson University and a Fulbright award to teach in Uruguay. His research work was funded by various local and national agencies, including the National Science Foundation, and published in prestigious engineering journals. He retired from the University in 2006.
Donald D. Clayton, PhD (1935—2024) Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy. His remarkable academic journey stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and profound contributions to the field. Having hailed from humble beginnings during the Great Depression, Clayton’s pursuit of knowledge saw him graduate with distinction from Southern Methodist University in 1956. His desire for a deeper understanding of the cosmos led him to the prestigious California Institute of Technology, where he attained his Ph.D. under the mentorship of Nobel Laureate William Alfred Fowler in 1961. This collaboration paved the way for Clayton’s subsequent scientific career, redefining our comprehension of the vast universe we inhabit. Clayton’s career continued as he became one of the founding faculty members of Rice University’s Department of Space Science in 1963. This coincided with the rise and excitement surrounding NASA’s Apollo Program, and Clayton played a crucial role in shaping the department’s course offerings. Notably, he initiated a graduate-student course on nuclear reactions in stars, an endeavor that laid the foundation for his textbook, “Principles of Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis,” which was published in 1968 and continues to influence and inspire aspiring astrophysicists worldwide. Clayton’s academic leadership at Rice University earned him the prestigious Andrew Hays Buchanan Professorship of Astrophysics in 1968, a position he diligently held for two decades. His research prowess extended beyond national borders, as he spent seven years affiliated with esteemed institutions such as the University of Cambridge and Heidelberg University. Clayton also enjoyed visiting positions in Cardiff, UK, and embarked on sabbatical leaves at Cambridge, Heidelberg, and Durham University, UK. A defining moment in Clayton’s illustrious career arrived in 1966 when he was invited back to Caltech by W.A. Fowler. This collaboration proved to be instrumental in furthering our understanding of explosive supernova nucleosynthesis. Clayton’s research endeavors also took him to Cambridge, where he made important contributions to the field of gamma-ray astronomy. From 1977 to 1984, Clayton divided his time between teaching at Rice University in Houston, Texas and conducting research at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg. During this period, his groundbreaking work on stardust, cosmic chemical memory, and the survival rates of refractory stardust earned him the Leonard Medal in 1991. In 1989, Clayton accepted a professorship at Clemson University, where he played an instrumental role in establishing a cutting-edge graduate research program in astrophysics. His dedication and research spanned projects such as the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, where his predictions regarding radioactive nuclei in supernova remnants were confirmed. Even after his official retirement in 2007, Clayton remained an active force in the field, with a particular focus on the condensation of dust within supernovae. Notably, he assembled a comprehensive web-based photo archive detailing the history of nuclear astrophysics and chronicling his own contributions from 1990 through 2014. Beyond his scholarly contributions, Clayton’s love for astrophysics transcended traditional academic boundaries. He authored several books, including the novel “The Joshua Factor,” as well as a science autobiography entitled “Catch a Falling Star.” These literary works showcased his passion for making complex astrophysical concepts accessible to a broader audience, solidifying his influence beyond the academic sphere.
