Marvin Gaddy Carmichael, 73, husband of Felicia Young Carmichael passed away Friday, October 15, 2021 in Greenville Memorial Hospital.
He was born in Dillon County, South Carolina and was the eldest son of the late Marvin and Beatrice "Bea" Butler Carmichael. Marvin grew up on a tobacco farm in the Lake View area of Dillon County. Following his graduation from Dillon High School, Marvin attended Clemson University where he earned
a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1971 and a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision in 1976. Marvin began working for Clemson University as a student in 1967 and became a full-time employee of Clemson University in 1971. Marvin was also a graduate of the South
Carolina Executive Institute.
Marvin served as Director of Student Financial Aid at Clemson University for 35 years, where he helped thousands of students attend and graduate from college. He was named Assistant to the President in 2000, concurrently serving as Liaison for the Clemson University Board of Visitors and the President's
Advisory Board. In 2005, Marvin was Appointed Chief of Staff where he held that post until his retirement from Clemson in 2014; a 43-year career of distinguished service.
Marvin was President of the South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SCASFAA) in 1981-82, President of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA) in 1984-85, and National Chair of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) in 1996-97. He served on numerous boards, including the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation, Greenville Sirrine Scholarship Program, Greenville Urban League, Oconee Economic Development Board, and Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce. Marvin participated in many arenas associated with student aid, serving on committees for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, College Entrance
Examination Board, and US Department of Education. Marvin was a driving force in shaping financial aid policy at the state and national level for decades, including crafting the legislation for the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship.
Marvin was engaged in community service and participated in many collegiate and civic organizations such as Golden Key, Tiger Brotherhood, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Clemson Fellowship Club, and the Rotary Club of Clemson. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Clemson University Fire Department and a South
Carolina State Constable. He volunteered and served as vice president of Mountain Findings, which supports multiple charities in Highlands, N.C. He was also president of the Apple Mountain Home Owners' Association in Highlands.
Marvin was recognized for his contributions to students, the financial aid profession, and to Clemson University. In 2021, he was awarded the Clemson University Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award; an honor bestowed upon him by his peers that brought him much joy. Other honors include the SCASFAA Fearless Nine Service Award, the SCASFAA Distinguished Service Award, the NASFAA Allan W. Purdy Distinguished Service Award, and the Regional Leadership Award and Firefighter of the Year Award. In honor of Marvin's history of exemplary service, the Clemson University Board of Visitors created the Marvin G. Carmichael Service Award to recognize staff members for outstanding service to the University.
A Resolution adopted by the Clemson University Board of Trustees in October 2014 reads in part, "Mr. Carmichael has been a model of professionalism, respect, hard work, dedication, determination and enthusiasm for his family, the University and his colleagues. Now, therefore be it resolved, that the
Clemson University Board of Trustees wishes to extend its sincere appreciation and best wishes for continued success to Marvin G. Carmichael for his friendship, service, dedication and numerous contributions to the continued advancements of the University."
Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Felicia Young Carmichael, his son, Brooks Butler Carmichael (Lauren Rouser Smith) of Seneca; daughter, Ashlee Carmichael Moses (Marion Moise Moses) of Columbia, SC; brother, Malcolm Archibald Carmichael of Savannah, GA; sister, Margaret Beatrice Carmichael (Connie Speas) of Indian Trail, NC; and two grandchildren, Elizabeth Claire Moses and Marion Moise Moses II of Columbia, SC.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, October 29, 2021 at Tillman Hall on the campus of Clemson University.
There will be a reception and a celebration of Marvin's life following the service from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Owen Pavilion, 276 Madren Center Lane, Clemson, SC 29631.
Burial will take place at a later date at Woodland Cemetery on the campus of Clemson University.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Clemson University Foundation.
Please direct your gift to the Marvin and Felicia Carmichael Scholarship in memory of Marvin Carmichael.
Gifts may be made online at iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving, by phone at (864) 656-5896 or by mail:
Clemson University
Annual Giving Office
110 Daniel Drive
Clemson, SC 29631
*********Parking will be available in the E-3 lot which is accessible from Silas N. Pearman Blvd. (Perimeter Rd). Shuttles will be provided to and from the service in Memorial Auditorium at Tillman Hall. Drivers are encouraged to drop passengers at Tillman Hall and then proceed to the parking area. Golf Carts will be available from where the shuttles drop off the drivers to Tillman Hall Auditorium. It is suggested that you arrive on campus early and drop off passengers no later than 12:30 to allow sufficient time for you to get back to Tillman for the service. Please refer to the University website for a map of E-3 lot***********
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, FACIAL COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE INTO TILLMAN HALL AUDITORIUM.
ALSO, DUE TO THE EXPECTED CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE HEATERS WILL BE USED FOR THE RECEPTION AT THE OWEN PAVILION