Clarence Dean Rogers (1938 — 2025) Clarence Dean Rogers, Swetenburg Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering, of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away peacefully March 21, 2025. Clarence retired in 2005 after dedicating 30 years to teaching in the Textile Department at Clemson University, where he also conducted numerous research projects with the textile industry across the country. Born in Lake View, SC, Clarence grew up in Fair Bluff, NC where he graduated from Fair Bluff High School. Throughout his high school years, he excelled in sports, and his passion for athletics remained a central part of his life. He went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degree from North Carolina State University and earned his PhD from Clemson University where he served as a professor for many years.
Jerry M. Whitmore (1939 – 2024) Jerry M. Whitmire, an educator, author, farmer, and family man, passed away peacefully at his home in Pisgah Forest, NC on December 21, 2024. Born in 1939 in Rosman, North Carolina, Jerry was the son of Paul and Maxine Whitmire. Jerry pursued his passion for learning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Spanish. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Alabama, then accepted a job in Bogota, Colombia, in South America, where he was director of a Bi-National Cultural Center for one year. Most of his career was teaching Spanish at Clemson University, where he inspired countless students with his love of language and culture, and sponsored the monthly Spanish Club.
Donald P. Miller (1927 — 2024) Donald P. Miller, husband of the late Dora Miller, and a dedicated physicist, passed away on December 19, 2024. Dr. Miller began working in the Physics Department at Clemson University in 1963 and retired in 1991 after 28 years of service. Born on October 11, 1927, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was a son of the late James Hugh and Helen Piguet Miller.
Dr. Margaree S. Crosby (1941-1924) Dr. Margaree Seawright Crosby passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024. In 1960, she made her first mark in the fight for civil rights and equality as one of the “Greenville Eight”. This was a group of students, including Reverend Jessie Jackson, who sat in protest, resulting in the desegregation of the Greenville County Public Library. Her courage and activism reflected her commitment to social change and her belief in the importance of fighting for what was right. Dr. Crosby’s dream and aspirations did not stop there. In 1963, Dr. Crosby graduated from South Carolina State College, where she earned her B.A. Degree in Elementary Education. While there, she met her soulmate, the late Dr. Willis Herman Crosby, Jr., who affectionately called her “Ree.” They were later married that summer on June 22 and were happily married for almost sixty years until he passed away in 2022. In 1973, she earned her Master of Education in Reading from Clemson University. In 1976, she earned her Doctor of Education in Reading/Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She began working at Clemson University in 1977, becoming a full reading and language arts professor. Dr. Crosby had a distinguished career as an educator, shaping the minds of countless students with her passion for learning. Her academic journey was a testament to her determination and belief in the transformative power of education. Dr. Crosby retired in 1985 as Professor Emerita of Clemson University. Dr. Crosby’s life was filled with many ground-breaking accomplishments. She was the first woman board member to serve in the over eighty-year history of the Greenville Memorial Hospital System, and the first African American female to become a Professor of Education at Clemson University, where she tenured in 1992. She was also South Carolina’s first Women’s Achievement Award recipient, in addition to Who’s Who in American Education—all milestones that are a testament to her leadership and commitment. Dr. Crosby has made endless educational, service, and civic contributions on the local, state, and national levels in supervisory teaching, research, and consulting.
Russel Judd Diefendorf, PhD (1931-2024) Dr. Russell Judd Diefendorf, Clemson University McAllister Professor Emeritus of Ceramic Engineering, of Seneca, SC, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, after a long and admirable battle with leukemia. Judd was born in Mount Vernon, NY, the youngest of three sons of Warren Edwin and Martha Catharine Diefendorf. A 1949 graduate of The Stony Brook School in Long Island, NY, Judd went on to attend University of Rochester and University of Toronto, where he earned his Ph. D. in Physical Chemistry in 1958. After an already rich career, in 1990, Judd began teaching the science of ceramics at Clemson– an area less familiar to him. He retired from Clemson in 2000 and shortly after was recognized as the American Ceramic Society’s James Mueller Memorial lecturer in honor of the “spirit and vision” with which he had pursued advanced ceramics.
Dr. Lawrence Rudolph Gering (1957-2024) Lawrence R. (Larry) Gering, Associate Professor Emeritus of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, passed away on October 11, 2024, in Belfast Maine. Larry was born in 1957 in New Jersey and was raised there. He earned a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Maine in 1979, an M.S. in forestry from Clemson University (Bill Shaine was his major professor), and his Ph.D. in forest biometrics from the University of Georgia. He was most proud of his teaching. In 2017, Larry was awarded a national forestry teaching award from the Society of American Foresters—the Carl Alwin Schenck Award for teaching excellence in the field of forestry education.
Larry was a forest biometrician and retired from Clemson University after his 34th forestry summer camp in June of 2019. His career spanned over 30 years in research and education at Louisiana Tech University, Oklahoma State University, and Clemson University. Dr. Gering had a significant impact on shaping young minds and teaching forestry students the practical aspects of forest inventory.
Jo Ann McNatt, PhD (1934-2024) Dr. Jo Ann McNatt, Clemson University Professor Emerita of Languages, passed away peacefully at Clemson Downs Area Retirement Center following a lengthy illness on Sunday October 6, 2024. She taught French at Clemson University beginning in 1965 and did so until her retirement in 1993 as a Professor Emerita of French and Spanish.
Jo Ann was born in Atmore, Alabama, the daughter of the late Fred Littleton and Lillie Burleson McNatt. She moved to Clemson at age 8, grew up on Riggs Drive, and graduated from Calhoun Clemson High School in 1952. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Furman University, her Master’s Degree from Emory University and her PhD from UNC Chapel Hill. Prior to coming to Clemson University, she taught in the Fulton County Georgia school system.
Dr. Renu Laskar (1932-2024) Trailblazing mathematician Renu Chakravarti Laskar, Clemson University Professor Emerita in Mathematical Sciences, passed away in Mountain View, California, on September 17, 2024. She was surrounded by her family. Laskar joined Clemson University in 1968 and retired in 2006, after 38 years of faculty service. “She is loved, well known, highly respected and even legendary in graph theory, combinatorics and discrete mathematics,” said her Clemson University colleague and longtime friend, Professor Stephen Hedetniemi. At Clemson, Laskar graduated 14 PhDs, was the author of 160 publications, and collaborated with 93 co-authors. She was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in mathematics from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was the first female faculty at any campus of the Indian Institute of Technology. Laskar, who collaborated with math giants such as R.C. Bose (inventor of the BCH codes used in wireless communications) and Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdos, was a mathematician who specialized in combinatorics and graph theory. She wrote four papers with Paul Erdos, giving her an Erdos number of 1. She was a dedicated researcher of combinatorics and graph theory, mathematics that has had practical applications in computer science and in linguistics. Graph theory is also used, as examples, for sports teams and airline scheduling, and solving complicated puzzles such as Sudoko.
Dr. Verne W. House (1937-2024) Dr. Verne House, Clemson Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology and an extension specialist, passed away on September 13, 2024. He retired in 1998 from Clemson University and worked in several areas in his field. He first attended Powell University, and then the University of Wyoming in Laramie to study Ag Economics. Verne earned his Ph.D. from Washington State University. With his degree in agricultural economics, he delved into the MSU ag-extension department and worked with statewide programs to help farmers develop markets for their products. Once his kids were out of high school, Verne and Nancy took moved to Clemson University where he maintained a home and friendships with his colleagues and those in the community until his death.
Dr. Henry Rack (1942-2024) Henry Johan Rack, Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering, of Pendleton, SC, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Born November 1, 1942, in New York City, NY, he was the son of the late Henry Rack and Maria Scharpf Rack. Henry Rack received his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was Professor Emeritus in Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University. Prior to joining Clemson in 1985 he worked at Lockheed-Georgia, Sandia National Labs, Exxon and ARCO metals. He was a former member of the Palmetto Ski Club, enjoyed playing poker and traveling. More than anything, Henry was a man who loved and was devoted to his family.
Dr. Raymond Noblet (1943-2024) On August 6, 2024, Raymond Noblet, 81 years old, died peacefully at home in Watkinsville, GA, with family by his side. Professor Emeritus of Entomology, Dr. Noblet began his career at Clemson on March 1, 1970, retiring after 30 years of service in 2000. He served as president of Faculty Senate and helped establish The Institute for Wildlife and Environmental Toxicology (TIWET) at the University. Upon completion of his PhD, Ray was hired by the Department of Entomology and Economic Biology at Clemson University. In 1985 he transitioned from his position as an insect scientist to a medical and veterinary entomologist role. While having a wide range of scientific interests and successes, Ray probably made his most impactful contributions collaborating with Abbott Laboratories and assisting in the development of highly efficacious formulations of the Vectobac 12AS larvicide. These formulations were used to fight Onchoceriasis transmission in West Africa and remain the gold standard for black fly suppression around the world.
Dr. Linda B. Gambrell (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.
Dr. 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.
