Search by Name

Search by Name

Lee Clippard Obituary

Lee Hunt Clippard, Sr. MT. PLEASANT - Lee Hunt Clippard, Sr., 67, husband of Merrily Morris Clippard of Mt. Pleasant, SC, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2010. The relatives and friends of Lee Clippard are invited to attend a Celebration of His Life on Friday, October 1, 2010 in First United Methodist Church, Isle of Palms at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLESANT CHAPEL. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Spartanburg, SC on Saturday, by J.F. Floyd Mortuary, Inc. The family will receive friends at the home. Lee was born April 8, 1943, in Asheville, North Carolina, son of the late James Henry Clippard and Sadie Guy Hunt Clippard. He graduated from high school in Charlotte, NC and after giving North Carolina State the old college try, he served for eight years on submarines in the United States Navy. At the age of 27, he picked up his college career and studied electrical engineering at Clemson University. There he met Merrily Morris, his wife of almost 40 years. Lee's life took him to many places, including returning to his home in Saluda, North Carolina, where he served as Mayor from 2001 until 2006. He was founder and president of Sims Group Consulting Engineers, Inc. in Greenville, SC and Mt. Pleasant, SC. Throughout his career he enjoyed nurturing and mentoring many young engineers and considered them as family. Lee was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Isle of Palms, where he was a member of the choir. He was a compassionate, intelligent and joyful man who always remained curious about life and infused those around him with a calm happiness. He leaves behind a community of friends and family across the state and world. He is survived by his wife, Merrily Clippard of Mt. Pleasant, SC; one daughter, Giannina Herrera Alvarez and her husband, Alvaro Lang of San Jose; Costa Rica, three sons, Lee Hunt Clippard, Jr., and his partner, John T. Stott, of Austin, TX, Robert Morris Clippard of Greenville, SC, and William Reeves Clippard and his wife, Ashley, of Seattle, WA; one brother, William Hunt Clippard of Darmstadt, Germany; one sister, Judith Theresa Fiorentino of Madison, AL; two grandchildren, Eduardo Lang Alvarez and Karina Lang Alvarez of Costa Rica. Lee was preceded in death by his brother, James Henry Clippard, Jr. The family requests that memorials be made to the "Building Fund" of First United Methodist Church, Isle of Palms, 12 21st Avenue, Isle of Palms, SC 29451, or Charleston Moves, P.O. Box 21625, Charleston, SC 29413. Memorial messages may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 29 to Sep. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Clippard

Not sure what to say?





Jane Skillman

September 28, 2019

Thinking of you all today. I hope you are celebrating LEES life.

October 13, 2010

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.
LEE WAS SUCH A KIND MAN AND WE HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HIM.

JANE AND CHUCK SKILLMAN
STEVE, BRIAN AND CHRISTY ROGERS

Jan Belleme

October 5, 2010

Dear Merrily and family,
My heart goes out to you all. I feel terribly sad, and can't begin to imagine what a shock this is for you. I had tremendous respect and admiration for Lee, and I'm not the only one who hoped he would one day retire in Saluda and be our mayor again. He had great vision and ability to find common ground. I remember his willingness to listen to everyone, even a ragtag group of pre-teens and teens who wanted a safe, fun place to skateboard, his compassion and his insistence that there be absolutely no negativity in his campaign for mayor. I loved his sense of humor and belief in people and our ability to work together to make the world a better place. He inspired me and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Libby Darnell

October 4, 2010

Lee was fun and wonderful to work with. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your entire family will be in my prayers. Libby Darnell

Bruce Royal

October 4, 2010

We were all shocked to hear of the passing of Lee Clippard. Lee was one of the best engineers that we have had the pleasure to work with. He will be missed by his peers and his friends. It was truly our pleasure to have had the opportunity to know him. We offer our sympathy to his personal and Sims Group families.

Lynn Solesbee

October 4, 2010

We had not seen Lee in a few years and were saddened to hear of his passing. Lee was a great guy to work with and he will be sorely missed. Lee’s family and everyone at Sims will be in our prayers.

Bluewater Civil Design
Lynn Solesbee
Chris Price
Jason Henderson
Paul Harrison

October 3, 2010

Dear Merrily and family,
I was so shocked and saddened by Lee's death. So many lives will be emptier due to his passing. Love and prayers to all of you. CeCe Hayes

Bill Hammond

October 3, 2010

Merrily and Family, I was shocked to learn of Lee's death. I worked with Lee at J. E. Sirrine Company. What a great engineer and wonderful person he was. We will all miss him. Merrily, I will be praying for peace, strength, comfort, and renewal during this difficult time.

Shahrzad Azizi

October 2, 2010

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Lee Clippard, Sr. passing. Lee was our project manager on Flexsys job for 2 years in Toronto, Canada. He was certainly the best project manager I had ever worked for. Words cannot express my sorrow. My condolences to his family and friends. Lee left behind a great legacy for humanity and engineering.

Debbie White

October 1, 2010

Merrily, you may not remember me. I worked with you at Gateway Elem. many years ago. I was so shocked when I saw today's Greenville News. You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband, Lee. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time....

Gregg Howell

October 1, 2010

Offering my deepest sympathy to Lee's family and friends. He was a fine, gentle man.

Suzanne Childs

October 1, 2010

To the Clippard family and the Sims Group - please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Lee has always been one my our favorite people to work with and we will all miss him dearly. We (our architecture and engineering firms)have worked together on too many projects to count, and I came to rely on him for his friendship as well as his expertise. Over the years we had a lot of heart to heart talks about how to handle things with our businesses, and he always showed the greatest compassion for and faith in others. I always enjoyed his positive perspective and try to live my life with the same verve and joy he exemplified!

Joy Sharp

October 1, 2010

My family was so shocked and saddened to hear of Lee's unexpected passing. He was an extraordinary man full or decency and kindness. I did not know him well, but our sons are close friends and Reeve's is a living testament. May love carry you through, as it did our family when we lost Jim. Joy, Sean, Cassady and Andy Sharp (Tryon, NC)

October 1, 2010

It was such a pleasure to know Lee & your family when you lived in Saluda. He was an inspiration to me as a business person and will always think of him with great respect. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jane Powell and Paul Aabye
Saluda, NC

Barbara Seiler

October 1, 2010

I am so saddened by the news of Lee's death. He was a good man and Saluda is a better place because of him. My prayers go out to Merrily and the family.

Bob & Marty Payton

October 1, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We felt he was a friend and we will miss him

Mary Reeves

October 1, 2010

Mike and I are with you and your family in prayer.
Lee was such a good and kind man. One of my first memories of moving to Saluda and into our church was his TALL (in - every )way presence and his welcoming words
Mary Settle Reeves

Jackson Zorn

September 30, 2010

What a tragedy to learn that Lee will no longer brighten our days with his physical presence. The consolation of having considered him a close friend, and the pleasant memory of a good man make me realise what good fortune I share with so many others whose paths crossed Lee's.

Wanda Wilson

September 30, 2010

Lee was one of the best boss's I ever had. I will never forget his graciousness, kindness, interest in "where are you going in life". He was such a great person to work with. We all looked forward to his Monday morning philosophies or as he would say his "soapbox". He will be missed greatly but he gets to see the other side sooner than us. My prayers are with you Merrily, your family and the Sims Group family.

Wanda

Van and Pam Smith

September 30, 2010

It was an honor to have known Lee for 33 years, working with him at Sirrine, Kvaerner John Brown, and Sims Group. Mentor is definitely the word because he challenged me to expand my horizons constantly. He will be missed.

Jeff Beard

September 30, 2010

Merrily, I was so fortunate to have insisted that Lee hire me. It was the best eight years I spent working in engineering. He allowed everyone to excel, be creative and push the limit while being supportive all the while. The friendship and paddling trips were just a bonus. He was a great "boss" and friend and I miss him dearly. You and all of your family are in my thoughts.
Love, Jeff

September 30, 2010

To Merrily and family of Lee, the thoughts and prayers of your friends and associates at MKA are with you. Lee was a kind and gentle man, and he will be greatly missed.

Courtney Smith

September 30, 2010

The entire Clippard family is in my thoughts and prayers. Reeves and Ashley, my heart goes out to you.

Eric Turner

September 30, 2010

Merrily,
I send my deepest sympathies to you and the whole family for your loss. Lee was a good and honorable man and it was my good fortune and pleasure to work with him for those years. He was a lover of life and my life was enhanced by knowing him. Peace and love to you.

AJ Luckenbaugh

September 30, 2010

To the family of Lee, I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Lee thru MCA Architecture Company, and he was always so bright, cheery and positive. We will miss him. AJ Luckenbaugh

Rafael Arena

September 30, 2010

Lee was a great mentor and an even greater friend. He will be missed. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Carl Matthews

September 30, 2010

I served with Lee on submarines in the late 60's or very early 70's. He was a good shipmate and friend and my memories of him are fond ones. I am saddened by his passing but know there awaits a better home.

Bill Wilkerson

September 30, 2010

Merrily, I am still in disbelief and shock. Always looked forward to Lee's visits with the early morning group at Ward's. Of the 3 early morn philosophers, Lee, HB and myself, I sit alone. I do not cry, it is just my sinuses. I will greatly miss him. Love Bill

Dolly Ensey & Dave Westenbarger

September 29, 2010

Lee, Dave & I were quite saddened to hear about your father's sudden passing. We feel fortuate to have met him & your mother during their visits to Austin. It is said that all the things that you loved about your father live on in you. You, your mother & the rest of your family are in our prayers, Dave & Dolly

September 29, 2010

Dear Merrily,

We were so sadden to learn of Lee's death. We send our deep sympathy and love to you and all of the family. Love,
Ross and Mary Frances Zachary

September 29, 2010

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Lee. I only knew him a short time when he was mayor of Saluda and was always so appreciative of his vision for Saluda. My deepest symathies, Cathy Jackson

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Make a Donation
in Lee Clippard's name

Memorial Events
for Lee Clippard

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Lee's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lee Clippard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more