William Joseph Ellenberg II

William Joseph Ellenberg II, of Brookhaven, Georgia, passed away at home on November 21st. Born on April 8, 1955, in Greenwood, South Carolina, he was the son of Henry Cooper Ellenberg and Claudia Latimer Bolton.

William graduated from Seneca High School, where his lifelong passions for music and the arts first took root. He played trombone in the high school band and also starred in musical theater productions, playing such roles as the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz, and Mr. Smee in Peter Pan.

A proud graduate of Clemson University, he remained an enthusiastic Clemson fan throughout his life. William earned his degree in Political Science with High Honors, Class of 1977. His competitive drive, leadership, and camaraderie were hallmarks from the beginning of his college years. He was deeply involved in sports across campus, working as a trainer and assistant manager for the men’s soccer team and serving as manager of the Tiger Sports Shop.

After Clemson, William earned his law degree from the University of Georgia, graduating Magna Cum Laude with the class of 1982. During his time in law school he excelled academically. He was a member of the Intrastate Moot Court Team his second year and served as Intrastate Coach and member of the National Moot Court Advisory Board in his third term. He also taught appellate practice during his third year.

Following law school, he began a distinguished legal career defined by dedication, integrity, and service. He first worked at the law firm of Turnage, Leavell & McDonald in Athens before moving into corporate leadership. He ultimately served as Executive Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Strategy at BellSouth Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s international operations.

Though William’s professional life was filled with many accomplishments, none of these successes filled him with as much pride and joy as he found in being an adoring husband, father and grandfather. He and his cherished wife, Stephanie, shared a love of travel and enjoyed exploring the world together. William had a passion for cooking and was an accomplished chef. He and Stephanie delighted in entertaining by designing incredible culinary themed events and sharing them with family and friends. His two children, Cooper and Carrie, were the lights of his life. Time spent at the beach, playing baseball, kicking soccer balls, building pinewood derby cars, spending time in horse paddocks, playing Nintendo and Donkey Kong were treasured by father and children.

Outside of work and family, William enjoyed spending time with his friends playing sports, particularly golf and tennis. He played tennis with the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association. One of his teams won their division while he was their captain. In golf, he and his chums traveled the world during their annual “Bubba Fest” trips. They played some of the most revered and celebrated courses. And many of these friendships that he forged on the court and the links lasted a lifetime.

William is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Stephanie; his mother, Claudia; his son, Henry Cooper Ellenberg II and wife, Bevin; and his three grandsons, James Allan Antee, William Joseph Ellenberg III, and Henry Cooper Ellenberg III, in whom he found great joy. He is also survived by his three sisters and two brothers: Laura (Lonnie); Christine (John); George (Karen); Robert; and Mary Nan (Joy). He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Cooper Ellenberg, and his beloved daughter, Carrie Layne Ellenberg.

William will be remembered for his warmth, humor, intellect, and unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy endures in all who knew and loved him.

A tribute to William’s life will be held at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the William J. Ellenberg II Annual Research Fund for Political Science at Clemson University. This fund supports international research stipends within Clemson’s Political Science Department. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so online at Giving to Clemson - Find It Fund It Donation Form - Clemson University or by sending a check, along with the fund name, to the Clemson University Foundation, 220 Madren Drive, Clemson SC 29634.