An athlete, W. Wyman King Academy Knight, son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Charlie James Clamp of Lexington passed on June 21 after an over two-year battle with Osteosarcoma.
The 18 year old’s memorial service was on June 28 at W. Wyman King Academy in Batesburg-Leesville.
He was a fighter.
“Despite continuous treatments and surgeries, Charlie fought to make it to every WKA football game over the past two seasons. He missed very few basketball or baseball games. Thanks to his neurosurgeon, Dr. McClung-Smith, and an amazing medical team from Prisma Children's Hospital, Charlie escaped from the ICU unit long enough to walk with his graduating class,” the memorial service program read. “Charlie loved being a Wyman King Academy Knight; he loved his school, his teammates, his coaches, teachers, and classmates.”
According to his obituary, Charlie was predeceased by his grandfathers, Doug Shealy and Charlie Clamp. Surviving Charlie are his parents, Ron and Sallie Shealy Clamp; siblings, Jacob Clamp, Jackson Clamp, Michelle Clamp Turner, and brother-in-law Brady Turner; nieces, Ryleigh and Brooklynn. Also, his maternal grandparents, Jim and Tricia Shealy; paternal grandmother, Carolyn Clamp; aunts, uncles, cousins, best friends: Dusty and Pierce; along with his many friends, and beloved WKA family.
“Charlie became wise beyond his years. He understood life is both fragile and fickle so he lived every day like it might be his last. He never waited until tomorrow to do what he could do today. He loved his family, friends and teammates with a heartfelt passion and pushed himself to never miss a minute of anything he held dear. Charlie left everything he had to give on the field every time. He did so courageously and always with a smile on his face,” the memorial service program read. “Charlie struggled to make plans given his uncertain future. Charlie decided to keep it simple. His plan was to take one day at a time and make people smile along the way.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charlie’s favorite place, W. Wyman King Academy c/o Charlie Clamp, 1046 Sardis Rd., Batesburg, S.C. 29006.