Wilson Clyburn

Deacon Wilson Lloyd Clyburn entered into eternal rest to be with the Lord whom he loved and worshiped daily on Friday, January 11, 2019.

Wilson was born on October 15, 1943 in Kershaw County. He was the youngest child born to his parents, the late Mr. Charlie Clyburn, Sr. and Mrs. Hettie Lloyd Clyburn. He was reared in a devoted Christian home. He was baptized at an early age and became a member of the St. John Baptist Church (Springhill Road) in Camden, South Carolina.

Wilson attended Jackson Elementary and Jackson Junior High for his early formative years of education. He continued his education and graduated from Jackson High School, where he was a star football athlete. He went on to further his educational studies at Sumter Area Technical College, Sumter, S.C.

In 1965 he married the love of his life, Dorothy McKenney Clyburn. They were married for fifty-three (53) wonderful years. The joy of their lives came when their son Bruce was born! For the both of them that completed their circle of excitement, laughter and many years of happiness!

Deacon Wilson L. Clyburn was a very active and involve member of his church, Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Lugoff, South Carolina where he was baptized in the name of Jesus in 1974 and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He was ordained on April 20, 2008 as Deacon and served faithfully for twenty years. He was a strong financial supporter of his church, a choir member and leader. One of his favorite songs to lead was “Victory Is Mine!” He cared deeply about the upkeep of the church and welfare of each individual church member. Deacon Clyburn was honored by the church for his faithfulness and dedication on March 18, 2018.

He had a very strong sense of humor, quite a prankster, loved telling corny jokes, enjoyed putting a smile on your face and could convince anyone whatever he said was the “gospel truth!” That was him as a husband; pop; brother; uncle; co-worker and friend. Wilson owned his own small brick mason company where he employed his nephews and a couple of their friends. One thing he took pride in and chuckled about was having them working with a one and a half handle wheelbarrow to carry cement and bricks. “I helped to make a man out of each one of them he would say,” and let out a big Wilson laugh!” He loved and would always tell that story whenever and wherever he could for many, many years. He paid them under minimum wages and would smile and tell each one he was paying them too much!

On the side of Wilson’s old blue Fred Sanford looking work truck, where he and his son Bruce would ride in proudly throughout Camden and surrounding communities, which he had hand painted D.O.T. on the side. He would have this jolly laugh and told everyone it was the abbreviation for Department of Transportation. It really stood for Dorothy, his wife whom he loved and affectionately called DOT!

He loved his family! Having as many family members and friends over at his home for their Labor Day weekend cookout was a great event he looked forward to annually. That was always a great time and day for him!

Sergeant Wilson L. Clyburn was employed by the Camden Police Department in 1974. He was promoted from Patrolman to Sergeant in a short period of time. Sgt. Clyburn retired after twenty-five years of unselfish, loyal and dedicated service to the City of Camden, South Carolina on March 23, 1999.

Some of the numerous awards and recognitions Sgt. Clyburn received were: 25 years of service award; Policeman of the Year Award; State of South Carolina House of Representatives Honor and Recognition; having the flag flown over the State Capitol in his honor; City of Camden Mayor’s (Mayor Minges) Special Commendations Award on December 14, 1993; South Carolina Police Chief’s Association Recognition Award for 15 years in Law Enforcement on November 27, 1989; Department of Corrections Recognition for Jail and Prison Management for Practical and Academic Success in 1979.

Wilson was preceded in his passing by his parents: Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Hettie Clyburn; brothers, James E. Clyburn, Sr.; Clifford Clyburn; Charlie Clyburn, Jr., Sisters; Esther Clyburn Seabrooks; Naomi Clyburn Kershaw; and Ruth Clyburn Stanley. Sister –in-law, Lessie P. Clyburn; Brothers in-law, Kelly Young, Sr.; Norris Alexander; Pete Kershaw; Charlie Allen; Robert Seabrooks and Bennie Stanley, Sr.

Deacon Wilson L. Clyburn (Wilson) departure on January 11th will leave a void in our lives but those to forever cherish his love, laughter, smile and friendship are: his wife Dorothy McKenney Clyburn; son Bruce Clyburn; Brothers and Sisters: Clyde (Willie Mae) Clyburn of Camden; Dorothy Bell Alexander of Youngstown, Ohio;
Willie Mae Allen of Mattapan, Massachusetts/Youngstown, Ohio; Louise Webb of Atlanta, Georgia;
Viva Lee (James) Baker of Brooklyn, New York and William (Beverly) Clyburn of Aiken, South Carolina; one Sister-in-law, Dorothy Clyburn of Brooklyn, New York; Sisters and brothers-in-laws. nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins along with many other family and friends.

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