Category: Obituaries

Clemson University mourns the death of Jayson Sanstrum, University Facilities maintenance manager for housing residential facilities – custodial.

“With all he faced, Jayson worked with his colleagues and the Employee Engagement Committee to make University Facilities an even better place for our team members, demonstrating that even though he might not be around to continue the work, he wanted the best things possible for those he enjoyed working with each day,” said Todd Barnette, chief facilities officer. “He knew that even when we can’t understand these hard challenges, the best way forward is to continue loving and caring for each other. His contagious smile and kind words of encouragement will be missed.”

Sanstrum began his Clemson career on March 23, 1999, as a temporary employee and was rehired as an FTE employee in 2019. He totaled more than 27 years of service with Clemson University.

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

An online obituary and service information will be shared when available.

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.

Raymond Schneider, Associate Professor Emeritus of Construction Science and Management, passed away on March 28, 2026.

Schneider began his Clemson career on August 15, 2000, and totaled more than 16 years of service with the University.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now part of New York University) and a Master of Business Administration degree from Long Island University – C.W. Post Campus.

Raymond Schneider’s obituary is available online.

Clara Ruth Clemens, retired administrative specialist for the Graduate School, passed away on April 22, 2026.

Clemens begin her Clemson career on November 30, 1964, and retired on July 1, 1994, totaling 30 years of service with the University.

A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. April 29 at Old Stone Church Cemetery in Clemson.

Clara Ruth Clemens’s obituary is available online.

Evelyn Plakal, 22, has passed away. She was a microbiology major from Elgin, South Carolina. She was a member of the Clemson University Honors College.

“Evelyn was an inspiration to all who knew her,” says Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck. “We are saddened by the news of her passing but take comfort in knowing the positive impact she made on her friends, family and the Clemson community. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this time.”

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing grief counseling to students. Any student who wants to speak to a counselor should contact CAPS at 864-656-2451. After-hours counseling is available by calling 864-656-2451 and selecting option 2 from the menu.

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

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.

Tyler Bennett Huneycutt III, retired assistant academic program director in Management, passed away on April 18, 2026.

Following a distinguished Air Force career, Huneycutt began his Clemson career on July 1, 1993, and retired on July 1, 2007. He returned to Clemson as a temporary visiting lecturer from August 2007 to August 2018, and he joined the Emeritus College on July 21, 2017. Huneycutt totaled more than 17 years of service with the University. He also served as a commander of Clemson’s Air Force ROTC.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, at Clemson Presbyterian Church starting at 10 a.m. A visitation will follow the service at the church. An inurnment ceremony with military honors will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Clemson starting at 1:30 p.m.

Tyler Bennett Huneycutt III’s obituary is available online.

Ernest Locke, retired senior Extension agent, passed away on April 5, 2026.

Locke began his Clemson career on January 11, 1974, and retired on June 21, 2002, totaling more than 28 years of service with the University. He returned part-time following his retirement for more than five years from 2003-2014.

Ernest Locke’s obituary is available online.

Clemson University mourns the death of Jeffrey McMillan, professor of accounting in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business.

“Jeffrey was a Clemson institution,” said Robin Radtke, director and professor of the School of Accountancy. “He absolutely loved everything about Clemson. He loved teaching, being with his colleagues, and the community that is Clemson. He will be sorely missed.”

McMillan began his Clemson career on December 22, 1989, totaling more than 36 years of service with the University.

A Funeral Mass starting at will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Andrew Catholic Church at 11 a.m., with a celebration of life luncheon to follow from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing grief counseling to students. Any student who wants to speak to a counselor should contact CAPS at 864-656-2451. After-hours counseling is available by calling 864-656-2451 and selecting option 2 from the menu.

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

Jeffrey J. McMillan’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.

Sam A. Dillard, retired director of planning and scheduling for University Facilities, passed away on March 22, 2026.

Dillard began his Clemson career on October 22, 1963, and retired on July 1, 1994, totaling more than 31 years of service with the University.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at Sandifer Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Eastview Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Sam Dillard’s obituary is available online.

Clemson University mourns the death of Kimberly N. Collins, contracts administrator for the Office of Industry Contracts in the Division of Research.

“Kimberly was guided by her steadfast faith and devotion to her family,” said JoAnna Floyd, Director of the Office of Industry Contracts. “She was a valued member of our team and we will miss her deeply. Our hearts go out to her friends and family.”

Collins began her Clemson career on July 6, 2007, totaling more than 18 years of service with the University.

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

A tribute page for Kimberly Collins 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.

E. Harry Law, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Law began his Clemson career on August 15, 1971, and retired on March 30, 2001. He was rehired in 2013 and joined the Emeritus College in 2015, totaling nearly 42 years of service with the University.

He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and Sigma Xi (Clemson University chapter of the Scientific Research Society). Harry contributed to the Mechanical Engineering department in many ways, including coordinating a student exchange program with Hiroshima University and co-founding the Motorsports Engineering Program.

Law earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1962, a master’s in flight mechanics from Princeton University in 1965 and a Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the University of Connecticut in 1971.

A Celebration of Life will take place at University Lutheran Church, 111 Sloan St., Clemson, S.C., on Thursday, March 5, at 2 p.m. with a light reception afterwards.