Birth date: Jun 26, 1940 Death date: Jul 9, 2020
Billy Pat Clamp, age 80 of Rehoboth Beach, DE, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020, following a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was born on June 26, 1940 in Newberry, SC, son of the late Joe and Lenore Clamp. Bill Read Obituary
I knew Billy for a short time in DC in the late 70's. We performed in a show for the Hexagon Club and laughed ourselves sick all the way through rehearsals and shows.
He was truly a highlight of my time in Washington and I was sad to hear of his passing. Billy came to mind and I searched his name, and my heart hurt to find this out.
A truly great, kind and funny man. Rest well, Billy. I will never forget you. ♥️
Terry, It is so unfair that your love story came to an end, so very unfair.
A recent article that I read is quite beautiful. I hope you don’t mind that I share it.
“I still rise uncharacteristically early each morning, shocked into wakefulness by the realization that he is no longer beside me. Friends hope that this will wear off, but I dread the day it does. While I am still shocked by his absence I can still hold onto his presence. He is still alive to me. I can hear his voice in my head. I can visualize him in three dimensions before me. He is still him. We are still we.
On the way home after a long day, I say aloud, “If you’re out there send me a sign.” When I get home, there is a large tree blown down in our garden. “Couldn’t you just have sent me a feather?” I lament wryly. I hear him laughing with me.
I am a mix of contradictions: sad but not unhappy, alone but not lonely, single yet in a relationship, a wife with no husband. I feel loved by so many and yet no longer by one in particular.
I am a person whose husband has died. He is not late nor lost. He hasn’t passed. He is absent but not erased. He inhabits my dream world, making star appearances in technicolor. I know him so well that, like a favorite character in a book, I can imagine him into any situation.
He is dead but our relationship outlives him. Our bank is still full and I depend on it, in some ways now more than ever. I am grateful for the independent self that was fostered in our marriage as I carve a lone way forward through this surreal new world—although altered, I too am not late, passed or lost. But this independence has always been, and still is, indelibly connected to his love being there for me to depend on when needed, a secure base where my troubles can be soothed, my joys shared, and from which I can confidently head back out into the world.
The safety of that dependence allowed me to be more boldly independent. Thus it was that with the gift of a bell to summon him, I seldom needed to ring it, and even as his absence is stark, his presence remains a deeply embedded internal reservoir. The shape of our love holds firm and I continue to be forged and fortified by it, turning to it for comfort and encouragement as I bear my grief and navigate life. It is still the rock on which I rely.
The shape of our love holds firm and I continue to be forged and fortified by it, turning to it for comfort and encouragement as I bear my grief and navigate life. It is still the rock on which I rely.”
Billy Pat, I am sorry to learn of your recent passing. May the Lord bring you home to be with him. Father Wayne Dabney, Catholic Clergy
I met Billy when he and I enrolled in a How to Be a D.C. Tour Guide class taught by Maricar Donato. Immediately I sensed that his loving spirit, sense of humor and skills at storytelling would make him a favorite of visitors to D.C. I was right! He and Terry hosted a lovely get together for us budding tour guides at their Massachusetts Avenue apartment. Terry, Billy's spirit will infuse Washington, D.C. forever! Thank you for loving him and supporting him in his work as a tour guide. --Carolyn Crouch, Washington Walks
I met Billy shortly after he moved to Rehoboth. Billy was a people person, he pulled you into his world and wrapped you in his generosity, his caring, his stories, his laughter. He made you feel special. I was only graced by his friendship a few short years yet it feels more like a lifetime. I will miss you my friend, I will miss you.
My sincere condolences to you Terry and the rest of Billy's family. We have lost a true treasure.
Malcolm Keen
Billy was one of the most kind and caring person that you could ask for
in a friendship. He always enjoyed receiving a phone call and wanting to
catch up on the latest news and was always so thankful for the call.
I only have had the privilege of knowing Billy and Terry for the past several
years. I will miss Billy very much and my condolences to Terry. Terry your
friends are here for you in this time of sorrow.
Rick Moyer
Billy was one of the sweetest people II ever met. I am glad that I had the great fortune to meet both him and Terry. I will miss him and his kindness very much. Rest in peace dear man. My deepest condolences to you Terry.
Terry and Family,
Jim and I just learned of Billy Pat's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. While we were not fortunate enough to have known him for long, we have many fond memories of our times together; may your memories sustain you during this time in your journey. We hold you close in our hearts and lift you up for renewed Spirit.
Jim and John Jasch-Young
Billy...you were a gem!!! Erin and I miss you so much already!! You and Terry have been our special family! We loved your loving and generous personality but most of all, we will miss you jovial laugh that always makes us laugh.
Rest peacefully and enjoy your time seeing your mother, brother and dear friend Mary! Heavenly Hugs and Love!! Jan and Erin
I have known Billy for longer then I think most people. We met at P Street Beach in DC way back in 1968. I was in the Army and home on leave. I immediately liked Billy. He was so friendly and very funny
I was sadden to hear of his recent passing. I know for sure he is in heaven. He always was so kind to everyone. Loved is laugh!
My prayers to Terry, the family and may you rest in peace my friend
