George Calvin Skelley Jr.

George Calvin Skelley, Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, Clemson University professor, passed away on July 26th, at the age of 88. His life was one of unwavering dedication to his family, education, and faith, serving as an inspiration to all who knew him.

Born in 1937 in Boise City, Oklahoma, to George Calvin and Catherine Belle May Skelley, George was raised on The Skelley Hereford Ranch in the Kenton, Oklahoma. His formative years were spent immersed in ranch life while attending school in Boise City, where he graduated in 1954. He went on to pursue his love for agriculture at Panhandle A & M College, earning a BS in Animal Science in 1958.

It was during his time at Panhandle, George met the love of his life, Aletha Clair Brown. The couple married on June 22, 1958, and soon moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where George completed his MS and PhD degrees. Together, Aletha and George built a life of shared purpose, raising two daughters, who brought them immense pride and joy.

George’s professional journey was marked by outstanding contributions to the field of animal science. As a professor in the Animal Science Department at Clemson University, he authored over 250 research papers, popular articles, and abstracts. He retired in 2000, leaving a remarkable legacy of scholarship and mentorship.

George was a dedicated and engaged member of the Clemson United Methodist Church and the Clemson community. He actively participated in various organizations, including the American Meat Science Association, American Society of Animal Science, SC Association of Meat Processors, Southern Association of Agriculture Scientists, Gamma Sigma Delta, Kiwanis Club, Sage Club, Rodeo Club, Alpha Zeta Honorary Fraternity, Clemson Faculty Club, Clemson IPTAY Club, Clemson Fellowship Club and many others. He cherished his role as faculty advisor to the Block and Bridle Club for numerous years and was a proud AGR advisor.

Travel was one of George’s great passions, and he and Aletha explored the lower 48 states, visiting many state universities, as well as Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and New Zealand. These adventures reflected their shared curiosity and zest for life.

George had a deep passion for gardening, farming, attending Clemson football and basketball games, and raising beef cattle, which reflected his strong connection to his roots. Most of all, he cherished the moments he shared with his family.

He found great joy and fulfillment in his roles as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. George is survived by his daughters, Mary Skelley Dickerson (Keith) and Martha Skelley Sliney (Scott); his granddaughter, Tara M. Tripp; his grandsons, William “Liam” Skelley Sliney and Paul Joseph Dickerson (Ashley); and his great-grandsons, Parker, Caden, and Hudson Dickerson; sister-in-law, Nora Brown Long and many beloved nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Aletha; his grandsons, Michael Wesley Dickerson and Charles (Chase) Thomas Tripp II; his four sisters: Nell Chockley, Kay Prather, Helen Baker, and Amelia Irlbeck; sister-in-law, Barbara Brown Smith; and numerous other dear family members and friends.

The Skelley family sincerely thanks Griswold Home Care and Providence Hospice for their compassionate and devoted care for George, as well as dear friends and the Clemson United Methodist Church for their regular visits and kindness.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. George’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, and service will continue to inspire future generations.

Visitation will be on August 8th, 2025, at Clemson United Methodist Church from 12:00 - 12:45 pm. A service will follow in the church starting at 1:00 PM.

Rest peacefully, faithful servant. Your work here is done, and your eternal rest is well deserved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charles "Chase" Thomas Tripp II Memorial Scholarship Fund

or Clemson United Methodist Church https://www.clemsonumc.org/give.html 

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.