Clyde J. Nettles, a Columbia native who was involved in business and civic activities here throughout his life, died Sunday, November 20, 2016, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Julia “Judy” Ulmer Nettles. Born October 9, 1922, he was a son of the late John James Nettles Jr. and Virginia Evans Nettles. He was in the first graduating class of Dreher High School, where, as a student, he created and drew the “Dreher Blue Devil,” which is still the school’s mascot. He graduated from The Citadel in 1943 with a degree in business administration. In his senior year at The Citadel, he was Cadet Captain of Company O and Commander of the Summerall Guards. He also served on the school’s training cadre for two years and was a member of the Ring and Invitation committees and the Hop Committee. After graduation, he served for three years in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was an instructor at Ft. Benning, Ga. before joining the 42nd Infantry Division, landing at Marseilles, France and fighting through France and Germany to Salzburg, Austria. Discharged with the rank of captain, he returned to Columbia and formed the Bestbuilt Building Company and later Clyde Nettles Roofing and Paint, from which he retired in 1983. Mr. Nettles served on the board of directors of S.C. Federal for 28 years and was active in founding the Columbia Sertoma Club and the Camellia Ball, both of which he served as president. He was also president of the Columbia Citadel Club. While a member of Trenholm Road Methodist Church, he served as chairman of the building and finance committees and the Boy Scouts committee. He coached Little League Baseball for three years and was a member of Forest Lake Club and the Quadrille Club. After retirement, he and his wife spent 26 summers in Connestee Falls, N.C., where he served on the first Long-Range Planning Committee and was co-chairman of the Beautification Committee. Mr. Nettles was also predeceased by his sister, Mary Lou Nettles Lentz; his brother, Sabin Nettles; and his son-in-law, Jim Beitz. Surviving are his daughter, Julie N. Beitz of Columbia; son, Clyde James Nettles Jr. of Charleston; grandchildren, Julia Rowland Johnson (Edward) of Charleston, Charles “Charlie” Rowland (Nell) of Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., Brian Nettles of Atlanta, Rebecca Tipton (James) of Athens, G.A., David Beitz (Tiffany) of Columbia; ten great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Nettles of Columbia. The family would like to thank the staff T S.C. Episcopal Home at Still Hopes for their wonderful care during his illness. The family has requested that memorials be made to a charity of one’s choice. Plans will be announced at a later date. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
Posted in: The State
Posted on: 2016-11-22
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=clyde-nettles&pid=182663600&fhid=5564