Thomas Barton McTeer Jr. ’60, whose service to Clemson University included 50 years on the Board of Trustees and a term as chairman during a defining period in the University’s history, died Aug. 21, 2026. He was 89.
McTeer was elected to the board on June 9, 1976, beginning a 35-year tenure as an active trustee, which would become the third-longest in Clemson history. He served as chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1981 to 1983 and as vice chairman from 1986 to 1989. In 2012, after more than three decades of service, he became Trustee Emeritus. His time on the board spanned years of change, growth and achievement for Clemson.
“Clemson has lost one of its great gentlemen and one of its most devoted sons. We are profoundly grateful for his life, his friendship, and his extraordinary service to Clemson University.”
“Tom’s life and his service to Clemson University were extraordinary,” said Board Chair Kim Wilkerson. “He was often described as a man of few words, but of great action. Tom represented the very best of Clemson and his influence is woven into the history of this Board and this University. On behalf of the Clemson University Board of Trustees, I extend our deepest sympathies to Mary Frances, to Tom’s daughters, and all those who loved him.
A native of Early Branch in Hampton County, South Carolina, McTeer arrived at Clemson as a student-athlete after Coach Frank Howard offered him a football scholarship. Knee injuries ended his football career, but McTeer remained active across campus. He ran track, served as vice president of the senior class and the Central Dance Association and was a member of the senior council. He was also inducted into Tiger Brotherhood and Blue Key Honor Fraternity.
He graduated in 1960 with a degree in industrial management.
After Clemson, McTeer began his professional career with Dixiana Mills and later worked for Shell Oil Co. He eventually moved to Columbia, where he founded McTeer Real Estate in 1964. Over the decades that followed, he became a prominent figure in real estate development, investment and property management in the Midlands.
Clemson, however, remained one of the constants of his life.
McTeer spent countless football weekends at Clemson and remained closely connected to the University throughout his career.
In 2013, Clemson recognized his lifetime of service by awarding McTeer the Clemson Medallion, the highest public honor the University can bestow on an individual. The Medallion recognizes living individuals who have rendered significant service to Clemson and exemplify the ideals of the University’s founder.
For McTeer, it marked a Clemson journey that began as a student and grew into decades of institutional leadership.
Trustee Emeritus McTeer is survived by Mary Frances, his wife of 22 years; daughters Lisa McTeer Taylor (John), Ashley McTeer Love (Mac), Meredith McTeer Cooke (Chris), and Kim Campbell Norris; grandchildren, Jay (Julia) Taylor, Sarah (Charles) Colhoun and Whit Taylor, William and Thomas Love, Laurie Smith, Christopher (Anna) Cooke, William (Zariah) Cooke and Lindsay Cooke, and Mary Clark Norris; and his three great grandchildren. A family burial will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia, with visitation immediately following the service
