Tributes

A kind and gentle man with great strength, Eric made people laugh and smile. He was a great influence in the lives of his family and the teams he coached in summer basketball. . On Sunday, December 17, 1972 @ 7:59 a.m., Eric Darwin Christopher Clemons was born to Morris and Debra Clemons in Austin, Texas. He was the first child, first grandson, first great–grandson. He received his education in the Austin School District. Attending Fulmore Jr. High, Crocket High School (9-11th grade) and transferring to San Marcos High School his Sr. year where he graduated and was offered a full scholarship for basketball to Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas). Eric was an athlete who played 3 sports, (Basketball, Football and Baseball) he excelled in each, but basketball became his love. He started varsity in high school as a freshman, made all District 1st team at San Marcos High School, played college basketball for 4 years at Texas A&I University, and just recently (2 years ago) was inducted into the Hall of Fame at his University for Basketball. Eric believed in God and had once again began attending church at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Clark. He loved to hear him speak the word of God and counseled with him on several occasions. He would say that Rev. Clark spoke to you and not at you. Thank you for making a difference and listening to a man who respected you so much. Eric’s family was his greatest joy in life. He talked daily with his sister and mother and his best friend, Orlando Smart. His love for his only son (DeShon Christopher Clemons) can never be questioned. Eric leaves to cherish his loving memories, his father and mother (Morris and Debra Clemons), his sister (Kimberly Clemons) and the love of his life, his son (DeShon Christopher Clemons). His “Brother from another mother”, Orlando Smart (Rolanda) and their children (Ashley,Orlando and Omar). He has a host of aunts, uncles, countless cousins and too many friends to acknowledge, but rest assured you know how Eric felt about each of you. Each one of you should have had an “Eric Experience” to reflect and remember him with love and affection. Eric was currently employed for 14 years with the Texas Workforce Commission and 8 years with Xerox Corporation when they took over the printing from Texas Workforce Commission. He loved his job, but more than that he loved working with the people. He coached summer basketball with “The Southside Dawgs” and developed a long and lasting friendship with the members of the team, which continued even as they went off to college. And more recently coaching “Austin’s Finest” basketball with Orlando Smart. Eric had a way of reaching people and making them smile. Our family is mourning his loss, his laughter that he bought and the smile he shared. His ability to share a joke or tell a story with a comedic twist was so easy for him. This was Eric Clemons.

Tributes

Eric Darwin Christopher Clemons

December 17, 1972 - January 10, 2016