William “Bill” T. Clinkscales III passed away July 19, 2022, peacefully under hospice care at the age of 91.
He attended and graduated from Darlington School in 1949. He attended college at Georgia Tech, where he played varsity sports and was a member of the ATO fraternity. His undergraduate education at Georgia Tech was briefly interrupted for a tour of duty in North Africa for the National Guard and the Air Force. He returned to Georgia Tech, graduating in 1955 with a bachelor’s in industrial management. After graduation, he attended the University of Michigan where he earned a master’s in mechanical engineering. He began his career with American Blower Company in Schenectady, New York, where he met and married his wife, Marge in 1957. They moved to Atlanta where Bill worked for mechanical contracting firms before starting his own business. BESS company was co-founded by Bill and longtime friend, Jimmy Hodges focusing on commercial heating and air conditioning installation and servicing.
Bill’s favorite activities included skiing, golf, reading, and family. The family spent summer weekends at their home on Lake Rabun. He enjoyed 4th of July fireworks, the wooden boat parade, and Saturday nights at Hall’s especially singing “Goodnight Irene” at the end of the night. In 2003, he and Marge sold their home in Atlanta and made Lake Rabun their permanent residence. Winter meant family ski trips to Colorado, especially Aspen. Bill skied until the age of 77, helping teach all his grandchildren the family sport. An avid golfer, Bill shot his age at 81. He attended as many of his grandchildren’s sporting events as possible, beginning with familiar games such as baseball and softball, then learning soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. He was always a vocal fan, even when he didn’t quite understand the rules.
He is survived by his son, Bobby Clinkscales (Melissa); daughter, Kathy Vrabec (Jeff); his sister, Carol Gaines; grandchildren, Robert Clinkscales, Natalie Clinkscales, Matthew Vrabec, Adam Vrabec, and Jackie Vrabec; and great-grandson, Thomas Clinkscales, and his wife, Marge. A celebration of life will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 14, at 1532 Brandon Mill Road boathouse. Mobility access via neighbors’ tram. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Lakemont Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 171, Lakemont, GA 30552; the Dream Dachshund Rescue of Georgia, P.O. Box 4323, Marietta, GA 30061-4323 (www.dreamrescue.org); or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).
The Clayton Tribune
July 28, 2022