William Kelly Durham of Clemson receives Clemson Alumni Distinguished Service Award

Published: March 12, 2012

Kelly Durham image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — The Clemson Alumni Association has recognized William Kelly Durham of Clemson as one of six 2012 winners of the Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor.

Distinguished Service Award honorees demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the value of the university for future generations; church, professional and public service; and personal accomplishments that serve as a model for present and future Clemson students.

Durham graduated from Clemson University in 1980, having received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which is given annually to one male and one female student “in recognition of the recipient’s influence for good, excellence in maintaining high ideals of living and genuine service to others.” Durham served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1985, stationed in Germany, attaining the rank of captain.

Durham is president and co-owner of First Sun Management Corp., a 51-store Wendy’s franchisee. During his tenure, the company has been recognized by Wendy’s Corp. for the best operation, best marketing and best sales in the entire country.

Durham has chaired Clemson University’s Board of Visitors and currently serves on the board of directors of the Clemson University Foundation, as well as the Clemson Corps. He wrote, directed and produced a documentary about the Scroll of Honor Memorial, which honors Clemson alumni who have died in service to their country. He was a member of the WestZone initiative committee.

Author of "The War Widow," an historical novel, Durham also appeared in Clemson Little Theater’s 2011 production of "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Durham and his wife, Yvonne, are residents of Clemson and active members of First Baptist Church, where he has served as chairman of the board of deacons as well as co-chairman of the capital campaign committee, the personnel committee, the finance committee and the senior minister search committee. The Durhams have three daughters, Mary Kate, a Clemson freshman; Addison; and Callie.

The other Distinguished Service Award winners are Theodore G. “Ted” Westmoreland of Shelby, N.C.; Gosnold Graham “Goz” Segars Jr. of Hartsville;  E. Smyth McKissick III of Greenville; Palmer E. “Satch” Krantz of Columbia; and Charles Lenson Sullivan Jr. of Hartsville.

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