Stephen “Jack” Bradley Clemmons, a national hero who lived in Wilmington, died Sunday, June 1, 2014, at the age of 82.
He worked on almost every Cape Canaveral launch pad crew and was one of the small crew at PAD 34 who, on Jan. 27, 1967, attempted to rescue the doomed Apollo crew (astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee) after a flash fire took their lives. For his actions, Mr. Clemmons received the highest medal that a civilian can receive: the Medal for Exceptional Bravery.
Mr. Clemmons honorably served his country from 1950 to 1960 in the U.S. Air Force. When computerized conveyors system started, he supervised the installation of these systems until 2000. He was a published author of novels and many short stories about life in Brunswick County during his childhood. He had almost completed his book about the Apollo I fire, which should be completed within the next year.
For many years, Mr. Clemmons was active in Cape Fear Community College’s Alpha Chi Sigma Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society which his wife, Mary, chartered in 1992 and served as the adviser until 1999. He was made an honorary member in 1996.
He was born Aug. 11, 1931, in Supply at home, son of the late Irving and Ila P. Clemmons. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Lewis P. Clemmons and James E. Clemmons and nephew, Jimmy Clemmons.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years Mary “Sissy” B. Dowless and his four-legged babies, Tiny, Ebby, Precious and Rammy, of the home. He had four children, Valli Hair, husband, Scott and daughter, Kimberly Taylor, of Wilmington, Alan Clemmons, wife, Cheryl and son, Kevin, Cathy Rhoten and daughters, Katie Clemmons and Cassandra Rhoten, of Richmond, Va. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie Clemmons (Huffman) who had a daughter, Jennifer Mira, of Wesley Chapel, Fla. and a son, Robert Huffman, of Wilmington. He has six great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Robert Clemmons, of Wilmington and Thomas Clemmons and wife, Rosemary, of Lakeland, Fla.; five nieces; one nephew; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandy and Jack Maynard; and his very special nephew, Lee Dowless Sarp and wife, Megan.
A celebration of life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099. The family will receive friends after the service.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to his granddaughter, Kimberly, for her help in his final days and his special nephew, Lee, for his help, support and love. A special thank you to Sandy and Jack Maynard and family members, JaNell and Gary Dowless and Karen and Mike Dowless, for all of their support and care during Mr. Clemmons’ year-long struggle with lung cancer.
Our gratitude goes to all members who made our journey so much easier and a special thank you to RNs Leeann and Tina, CNA Patty, social worker Gullian and the hospice volunteer, Chuck, who entertained Mr. Clemmons for many hours. A special thank you also goes to RN Cindy from Assisted Care.
Memorials made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 in memory of Mr. Clemmons would be greatly appreciated.
He was a wonderful husband and father, a U.S. Air Force veteran, a very efficient system engineer in the space program, a great American and a brave, yet humble man. You were loved so much and will be greatly missed. I know that you are already entertaining God with all of your stories. Rest in peace and I will be with you someday soon.
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