Inside Clemson

Billy Ray ‘B.R.’ Skelton, Professor Emeritus of Economics, passed away on July 21, 2025.

Skelton began his Clemson career on September 1, 1959, and retired on December 25, 1987. He joined the Emeritus College on July 28, 2017, totaling 32 years of service with the University.

He earned a bachelor’s degree (1956) and master’s degree (1958) from Clemson and served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. The intersection of U.S. Highway 123 and S.C. Highway 93 near Clemson’s main campus is named the “Dr. B.R. Skelton Interchange,” an honor bestowed in 2018. Skelton was also the first recipient of the Clemson University Board of Visitors Legislative Leadership award in 2011.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 6, from 1-1:45 p.m. at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central, with a memorial service following.

B.R. Skelton’s obituary is available online.

Juanita Gail Flinchum Foster, recently retired registered nurse at Redfern Health Center, passed away on July 20, 2025.

Foster began her Clemson career on June 1, 2010, and retired on July 15, 2025, totaling more than 15 years of service with the University.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 27, from 1-2:45 p.m. at Gray Mortuary in Pelzer, S.C. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Beaverdam Baptist Church.

Juanita Foster’s obituary is available online.

William “Bill” Beckwith, Professor Emeritus of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, passed away on July 13, 2025.

Beckwith began his Clemson career on February 1, 1963, and retired on January 1, 2000. He joined the Emeritus College on April 20, 2015, totaling more than 38 years of service with the University.

In addition to his work as a faculty member, Beckwith served as Clemson’s head men’s tennis coach from 1974-75 after nine seasons as an assistant coach from 1964-1973.

Beckwith earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. from Iowa State University.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson on Saturday, August 9, at 11 a.m.

Bill Beckwith’s obituary is available online.

Clemson University mourns the death of Martin Beagley, graphics manager for Clemson University Marketing and Communications.

“Martin’s warmth, humor, and care for others left a lasting impression on all who knew him,” said Dave Lee, assistant vice president of marketing and communications for the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences and Innovation Campuses. “Over his 26+ years at Clemson, he made many meaningful contributions not only through his creative work but also through the kindness and camaraderie he shared with colleagues. He will be deeply missed.”

Beagley began his Clemson career on November 30, 1998, totaling more than 26 years of service. Beagley had a deep passion for the Science as Art program and played a key role in launching Clemson’s involvement at Artisphere.

Counseling services are available to faculty and staff through ComPsych, the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, at 866-365-0813.

Martin Beagley’s obituary is available online.

Clemson University Obituaries

Obituaries for active employees, retirees and current students are issued by Inside Clemson once we are able to confirm the information. Since faculty and staff live and work throughout the state, we depend on university departments, colleagues or friends to notify us of the deaths of active employees and retirees.

Paul Bernard Zielinski, Clemson University Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering and Director of Water Resource Research, passed away on July 10, 2025.

Zielinski began his Clemson career in 1967, joining the Emeritus College in 1991 after more than 24 years of service.

Zielinski earned degrees from Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A funeral mass will be offered on Friday, July 18, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Clemson at 10 a.m. with a reception following in the church social hall.

His obituary is available online.

Clemson University mourns the death of America Murray, systems developer/programmer for the Clemson University Foundation.

“America Murray had a heart full of grace and a smile that spoke kindness every day,” said Tim Jones, chief technology officer for the Clemson University Foundation. “She brought warmth, humor, and heart to everything she did, whether sharing a laugh, lending a hand, or simply showing up with her signature smile. Her passion for her work and her care for those around her made a lasting impact. From tea chats and music talks to helping classmates and teammates alike, America made every moment better. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and the joy she brought will stay with us always.”

Murray joined the Clemson University Foundation on March 25, 2024.

Counseling services are available to faculty and staff through ComPsych, the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, at 866-365-0813.

A viewing is scheduled at 10 a.m. on August 2 at Dickinson Mortuary (4700 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, S.C.) followed by a celebration of life from 11-12:30 p.m.

America Murray’s obituary is available online.

Clemson University Obituaries

Obituaries for active employees, retirees and current students are issued by Inside Clemson once we are able to confirm the information. Since faculty and staff live and work throughout the state, we depend on university departments, colleagues or friends to notify us of the deaths of active employees and retirees.