Clarence Brock Bauknight

Clarence Brock Bauknight, age 86, of Greenville, SC passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. He was born on May 14, 1936 in Anderson, SC and raised in Walhalla, SC. He was the son of the late John Edward Bauknight and the late Theodosia Brock Bauknight.

A 1954 graduate of McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN, he received his BS in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech in 1958. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After graduation from Georgia Tech, he began his long career in the building supply business with Ross Builders Supply. In 1965 he founded Builder Marts of America Inc. in Greenville and served as CEO and Chairman of the Board until 2002. He was CEO and Chairman of the Board of Enterprise Computer System Inc. 1978-2005; Tel/ Man(SouthernNet Inc/Teleco USA) Chairman of the Board 1983-1987; Builderway Inc Chairman of the Board 1976-1996; Pelican Companies Inc Board of Directors 1996-1998; and ChannelLinx.com Chairman of the Board 1999-2002.

Clarence was a member of the Policy Advisory Board Joint Center of Housing, Harvard University; GA Tech Advisory Board; Community Foundation of Greater Greenville Board of Directors; Chairman, Greenville Hospital System Board of Trustees; Chairman, McCallie School Board of Trustees; Chairman,Greenville Health Corp Board of Directors; and McCallie School Trustee Emerti.

A faithful servant and member of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, Clarence served twice as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and was a member of the Roundtable Sunday school class. During the summer he attended Highlands United Methodist Church where he was Chairman of the Endowment Committee. In 2004 he began a daily commitment to write in his spiritual journal and continued writing in these journals for 14 years. These daily devotions have been printed and shared with many. He lived his faith every day, encouraging others to believe.

Clarence was a member of the Poinsett Club, Greenville Country Club, Cotillion Club, Poinsett Investors Club, Highlands Country Club and Cullasaja Club. He and his dear friend Buster Bailey co-founded Cullasaja Club in Highlands, NC. There he and Harriet built their dream home Tops, spending every summer in their special place.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Harriet Parker League Bauknight; two children, Lea Bauknight Fulk and her husband, Thomas (Tee)Wiley Fulk Jr, and Clarence Brock Bauknight Jr; three grandchildren, Ruth Parker Bauknight, Thomas Warren Fulk, and Clarence Brock (Tres)Bauknight III. Also surviving is his brother John Edward Bauknight III and his wife Susan; his sister-in-law Jody Bauknight and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his beloved grandson John Myers Fulk and his brother, Dr. Charles William Bauknight.

The riches in Clarence’s life included the many friendships he developed, especially the men in his forum. These men met for many years, several times a year, and Clarence often said they knew more about him than his own family. He and Harriet travelled the world together, covering every corner of the globe. Forever the collector, his collections ranged from James Audubon original prints to bonsais, orchids and all things related to hunting. He had many passions through the years, including clogging at Helen’s Barn in Highlands, aquariums, beach trips to the BMA Kneat Knut House at Litchfield and Prime Time at Wild Dunes, motorcycles, billiards, scuba diving, golf and hunting. Right before his declining health, he enjoyed his weekly foursome on his croquet court. In all, Clarence was a devoted man of faith and family whose leadership and love inspired so many.

The family appreciates his friendships with Nathaniel Robinson and Gloria Soto. We are grateful for the care he has received from Cascades, Comfort Keepers, and Interim Hospice.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 2pm at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville SC. The family will receive friends after the service in Sisk Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Buncombe Street United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, c/o The Four Bees Fund, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Bauknight family.