Colonel Billy Van Clemons Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

McDonough Chapel In Lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association in Memory of Colonel Billy Van Clemons. https://www.alz.org/georgia Billy Van Clemons was born on November 14, 1930. He was the second of six children blessed to the union of the late James Albert Clemons, Sr. and Myrtle Kennedy Clemons of Lake Charles, Louisiana. On the early morning of June 4, 2019, he made his transition from “earth to glory.” Billy accepted Jesus as his personal savior at an early age. He joined the Christian Baptist Church of Lake Charles, and was actively involved in Christian education activities, including Sunday school, where his father served as superintendent. In 1948, Billy was among the cadets of the first ROTC class at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated in 1952 with a degree in Physical Education & Health and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was initially stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he met the “love of his life”, Mary Glenys Christian of Richmond, Virginia. Billy and Glenys were married on January 15, 1955. The newlyweds moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was stationed. In 1957, he resigned his Army commission and pursued a degree in Physical Therapy (PT) at the University of Colorado Medical Center/School of Physical Therapy in Denver. He graduated in 1959 and moved to Peoria, Illinois, where he worked as a PT. At that time he also returned to military service in the U.S. Army Reserves. While he pursued both his professional & military careers, Billy and Glenys raised their beautiful family, 1 son and 2 daughters. Billy and Glenys joined Shiloh Baptist Church of McDonough, in 2007. Billy was actively involved on the Trustee Board (previously served as Vice-Chairman), co-organizer & mentor for the “Boyz to Men”, a member of the mass choir, couples’ Sunday school class, and Men’s Ministry. Other Accomplishments: Co-founder of American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT); Physical therapy instructor at Tuskegee, Institute; member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; member of world-renowned Moses Hogan Chorale & board member of the Urban League. Billy retired after 32+ years of service in 1992 as “Colonel Billy Van Clemons”. Billy leaves a legacy to be forever cherished by his loving & devoted wife, Glenys; three children: David Clemons, Hollise Clemons, and Camilla Spencer (Bobby); five grandchildren: Gafar Bello, Habibat Bello, Jessica Spencer, Cristen Spencer, and Bronson Spencer; a brother, James A. Clemons, Jr. (Patricia); three sisters: Gretchen St. Julien, Carolyn Johnson, and Gwendolyn Carriere, and a host of family and friends.

Colonel Billy Van Clemons

November 14, 1930 - June 4, 2019