August 2025
August 1, 2025
Inside Clemson
Year: 2025
George Calvin Skelley, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Animal and Veterinary Science – July 26, 2025
July 31, 2025
George Calvin Skelley, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Animal and Veterinary Science, passed away on July 26, 2025.
Skelley totaled 36 years of service with the University, retiring on June 30, 1998, before serving as a temporary professor and joining the Emeritus College in 2017.
Skelley authored over 250 research papers, articles and abstracts during his time as a Clemson faculty member. He also actively participated in various organizations while at Clemson, including the American Meat Science Association, American Society of Animal Science, SC Association of Meat Processors, Southern Association of Agriculture Scientists, Gamma Sigma Delta, Kiwanis Club, Sage Club, Rodeo Club, Alpha Zeta Honorary Fraternity, Clemson Faculty Club, Clemson IPTAY Club, Clemson Fellowship Club and many others. He served as faculty advisor to the Block and Bridle Club for numerous years and also served as AGR advisor.
Skelley earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Panhandle A&M College in 1958, followed by earning his master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky.
Visitation will be on August 8, 2025, at Clemson United Methodist Church from 12-12:45 p.m. A service will follow in the church starting at 1 p.m.
Employee Shout-Outs – July 28, 2025
July 27, 2025
Julie Buhr, Customer Service Representative, Human Resources
“Julie, who works the receptionist desk at HR, is constantly fielding questions and helping people with what they need. And she always does so with patience, kindness, encouragement and a warm smile. She is a wonderful example of how to treat people and our Clemson spirit.” – Anonymous
Leslie Doss, Business Manager, Office of Corporate Partnerships
“I highly recommend Leslie Doss, who consistently goes above and beyond. Her dedication is unmatched—working long hours without hesitation, always bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to every task. No matter how challenging the situation, she tackles it with a smile and a can-do spirit that uplifts the entire team. She is not only a hardworking professional but also a joy to work with.” – Denise Ciccarelli, Assistant Vice President, Office of Corporate Partnerships
Ted Zee, Department of Plant Industry, Nursery Program, Interim Nursery Information and Program Coordinator
“After an unexpected vacancy, Ted has stepped up to fill in many of the gaps while continuing his regular responsibilities. As the field supervisor and one of the seven district specialists himself, the team has over 750 nursery growers to inspect, exports to certify and plant pest surveys to conduct, to name a few; Ted has led the nursery team to continued success despite the vacancy.” – Kerrie Roach, Department of Plant Industry, Nursery Program – District Specialist
Anna Davis, Scheduling Coordinator, Records and Registration
“Anna’s responsiveness to the needs of both staff and students is truly remarkable, especially given the demanding nature of her role. Thank you Anna for all you do, you are deeply appreciated!” – Anonymous
Billy Ray ‘B.R.’ Skelton, Professor Emeritus of Economics – July 21, 2025
July 24, 2025
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.
Juanita Foster, retiree – July 20, 2025
July 22, 2025
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.
Employee Shout-Outs – July 21, 2025
July 20, 2025
Monique Elmore, Senior Associate Director, Cooperative Education Program
“Mo always goes above and beyond but she recently took on extra responsibilities to process an experimental learning grant. This was a major endeavor that required a lot of time and effort in addition to her regular job duties.” – Anonymous
Anna Cobranchi, Service Manager, Office of Human Resources
“Anna creates partnerships within her unit that is seamless and is genuine. I am thankful to have her as our HR Service Manager!” – Levi Roach, Outreach & Operations Manager, PEER & WISE
Ashley Sheridan Love, Services Director, Office of Human Resources
“Ashley is a connector between problems and solutions. She always finds a solution and is top notch. She is an asset to this University.” – Anonymous
Jacob Beach, Asian Longhorned Beetle Program Coordinator, Department of Plant Industry
“Jacob continually keeps the wheels moving on the fight against this invasive species in the Charleston area. Between new ideas, managing employees, and constantly managing the background items that are necessary to keep a regulatory program moving and safeguard the natural resources of South Carolina, Jacob truly does it all.” – Anonymous
Caroline Shreve, Clinical Lab Manager/Research Associate, Institute for Engaged Aging
“Caroline has been running the lab efficiently and with impressive ability since its creation. She is also an excellent teacher in lab-related matters and always helpful in general. She is a much appreciated team player and fun to work with. Thank you!” – Anonymous
William ‘Bill’ Beckwith, Professor Emeritus of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – July 13, 2025
July 16, 2025
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.
Martin Beagley, Staff, Marketing and Communications
July 16, 2025
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, Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering — July 10, 2025
July 14, 2025
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.
Employee Shout-Outs – July 14, 2025
July 13, 2025
Anna Davis (Info Sys. Business Analyst I, Records/Registration), Reagan Blondeau (Student Services Manager II, Records/Registration) and Debbie Race (Asst. Registrar for Scheduling, Records/Registration)
“A big shoutout to Anna Davis, Reagan Blondeau and Debbie Race for their dedication, patience and expertise with registration processes. Their commitment to excellence and willingness to assist (with all complicated Banner questions) has had a significant impact not just in my work, but also on the shared goal of advancing student success. We all benefit so much from your incredible knowledge, thank you for all you do!” – Anonymous
Helena Gaines, Human Resources Payroll Liaison, University Libraries
“Big thanks to Helena with all the work she does to help the University Libraries! Her wisdom, wit, kindness, and understanding make her an incredible colleague, especially when working through various issues and challenges.” – Anonymous
Ashley Childers (Principle Business Intelligence Analyst), Jacob Goodale (Business Intelligence Analyst)
“Ashley and Jacob revamped the dashboard for our professional development work and made it so much more functional. Not only did they do great work, but they were so easy to work with, even on something that was messy and complicated. I cannot say enough about the quality of their work and they’re also fun!” – Jenny Presgraves, Director of Professional Development and Well-being for the Graduate School
