Harold Douglas Kingsmore

Harold Douglas Kingsmore (Doug), 90, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in Greenville, SC. Kingsmore was born in Buffalo, SC, the son of the late Samuel L. and Evelyn D. Kingsmore. He attended school in Union, SC, and then received an athletic baseball scholarship to attend Clemson University from 1951-1954.

During his time at Clemson, he distinguished himself as a member of the Block C Club, and he continued to excel in baseball as an outfielder. He was the first Tiger in history to hit 10 home runs in a season, and his record of one home run every 8.9 at-bats held as the school record for an impressive 68 years. During his senior year in 1954, he was a Co-Captain who led Clemson to its first-ever ACC Championship in any sport.

Upon graduation, Doug signed a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles and played professional baseball for three years in the Tri-State, Carolina, and Texas Leagues before transitioning to the business world, where he continued to achieve success in the textile industry.

Doug’s business career took off after he was moved to Trion, GA (the Kingsmore’s adopted hometown, as he referred to it), where he was assigned to his first manufacturing position working for Riegel Textile, serving in various management and executive positions. His Riegel days set the foundation for him to achieve the rank of President and CEO of three major textile organizations: Avondale Mills, Cannon Mills, and Graniteville Company. He was also the President and Co-Owner of Southern Weaving and Palmetto Finishing Company, where he worked until his retirement. During his career, Kingsmore also served on the Board of ITT (Institute of Textile Technology), Federal Reserve Board, Regions Bank Board, and Chairman of Georgia and SC Textile Manufacturers Association.

Kingsmore has a distinguished record of service as a Clemson alumnus, serving on the Clemson University Board of Trustees for 12 years. He was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1990 and served three terms before gaining trustee Emeritus Status. In 2002, in recognition of his significant contributions to the baseball program both on and off the field, Clemson’s Baseball Stadium was renamed Doug Kingsmore Stadium. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2011 and was previously inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1985.

Doug was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 68 years, Vicki Heard Kingsmore; sons, Samuel N. Kingsmore (Twila), of Powdersville, SC, and Michael D. Kingsmore (Susie), of Easley, SC; two granddaughters, Ashley K Kern (Matt), and Brittney K. Bolt (Matt), and one grandson, Tyler D. Kingsmore (Janey), as well as nine great-grandchildren; Mary Tyler Bolt, Davis Bolt, Ellory Kern, Corbin Kern, Calhoun Kingsmore, Baylor Bolt, Evelyn Kingsmore, Annie Bolt, and Hattie Kingsmore. He is also survived by his sister, Judy K. Hart (Robert), and several nieces and nephews.

He was an avid golfer who loved to spend family time in the mountains, traveling abroad, and attending all Clemson sporting events.

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.

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.