Clemson University mourns the passing of Trustee Emeritus Doug Kingsmore

Doug Kingsmore, a three-term member of the Clemson Board of Trustees and a trustee emeritus following the conclusion of his elected term in 2002, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Kingsmore, a native of Aiken, S.C., was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 1990 and served for 12 years.

“While we are saddened by the news of the passing of Doug Kingsmore, his legacy and impact at Clemson will live on for generations to come,” Clemson University Board Chair Kim Wilkerson said. “His passion for our University was on display from the moment he arrived at Clemson as a student-athlete and continued through his service as a trustee and trustee emeritus. Doug’s great laugh could brighten a whole room, and we will miss seeing him proudly wearing his Clemson Orange and Tiger Paw, which he wore nearly every day.” 

“Doug Kingsmore was a champion for Clemson University,” said Clemson President Jim Clements. “Through his leadership and service at Clemson, from his time as a student and star student-athlete to his many years on the Board of Trustees, Doug made Clemson a better place. He was an amazing person whose commitment to Clemson will continue to positively impact our community for years to come.”

A former baseball star, Kingsmore played at Clemson from 1952-54 as an outfielder, becoming the first Tiger in history to hit 10 home runs in a season. In his third season, Kingsmore was a co-captain who led the ACC in multiple categories, including home runs and runs (25) scored that year, batting average (.371), RBIs (27) and slugging percentage (.742), earning first-team All-ACC honors and leading Clemson to its first-ever ACC Championship in any sport. Following his collegiate career, Kingsmore played three years of professional baseball for the Baltimore Orioles organization before transitioning to a successful business career. 

Following a $1 million donation to the athletics department in 2002, and in recognition of his significant contributions to the baseball program both on and off the field, Clemson’s baseball stadium, formerly known as Tiger Field, was renamed to Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

A private family graveside service will be held at Clemson University’s Woodland Cemetery followed by an intimate Celebration of Life Ceremony on December 17, 2023. Arrangements are being handled by Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central, SC. Those who wish to sign Kingsmore’s guestbook may do so on the available obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dabo’s All In Team Foundation. Address: Dabo’s All In Team Foundation P.O. Box 1585 Clemson, SC 29633.