September 26, 2025
Shelby Jean Dickerson Sheriff, retired office manager for Materials Science and Engineering, passed away on September 23, 2025.
Sheriff began her Clemson career on May 20, 1991, and retired on February 1, 2016, totally more than 27 years of service with the University. She returned to work in October 2016 in temporary or affiliate positions.
Shelby Jean Dickerson Sheriff’s obituary is available online.
September 12, 2025
C Kenyon “Ken” Revis-Wagner, Clemson University Alumni Master Teacher and Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences, passed away on September 4, 2025.
Revis-Wagner began his Clemson career on August 15, 1977, and retired on July 1, 2008, totaling more than 30 years of service. He earned the 1990-91 Alumni Master Teacher award and served as pre-med advisor in addition to his role as professor.
Revis-Wagner graduated from Emory University with a degree in Ecology in 1965 and earned master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Georgia.
An online obituary and service information will be shared when available.
September 2, 2025
August 23, 2025
Elisa Kay Sparks, Associate Professor Emerita of English, passed away on August 16, 2025.
Sparks retired in 2013 after 35 years of service with Clemson University. Further state employment service and memorial information will be shared when available.
Friends and colleagues shared tributes in memory of Elisa Kay Sparks on the “Blogging Woolf” blog.
August 21, 2025
E. Earl Burch Jr., Professor Emeritus of Business Administration and Mathematical Sciences, passed away on August 16, 2025.
Burch served Clemson University for 30 years, retiring in 1999. He was a three-time Clemson alumnus, earning a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (1966), a master’s in Industrial Management and a Ph.D. in Engineering Management.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Clemson on Saturday, August 23, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the service in the reception hall.
August 7, 2025
Rose J. Davis, Professor Emerita of Family and Youth Development, passed away on August 5, 2025.
Davis began her Clemson career on November 1, 1973, and retired on July 1, 1999, totaling nearly 26 years of service with the University (and three years of out-of-state service). She served as a nutrition specialist with Clemson Cooperative Extension and earned several awards during her time as an employee, including the Clemson Alumni Association’s Cooperative Extension Distinguished Public Service Award.
Davis received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Winthrop University and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Clyde V. Madren Center on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1 p.m.
August 5, 2025
Georgia Annette Whelchel, retired senior nurse practitioner for the Redfern Health Center and lecturer for the School of Nursing, passed away on July 29, 2025.
Whelchel began her Clemson career on June 11, 2001, and retired on September 16, 2023, totaling more than 27 years of service with the University. She also held Animal Industries and Nursing degrees from Clemson and won several staff excellence awards during her time as an employee.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Clemson University Outdoor Lab’s Kresge Hall located at 415 Charlie White Trail, Pendleton, S.C. The service will start at 2 p.m. and visitation to follow. The celebration of Annette’s life will be filled with joy and light. Colorful clothing is welcome to reflect this spirit.
August 1, 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.
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.
