Clarke Francis Millette

October 22, 1947 - December 12, 2021

Dr. Clarke Francis Millette, 74 of Hattiesburg, passed away December 12, 2021. He was born October 22, 1947 in Bridgeport, CT. He is reunited in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor Millette and his beloved daughter, Alison. Dr. Millette is survived by his bride of 47 years, Pat; son, Brad; sisters, Judi and Marsha; sister in law, Eileen along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, colleagues and thousands of students. Dr. Millette received his BA in biology from The Johns Hopkins University in 1969 and his PhD in Biochemistry from Rockefeller University in 1975. While there, he met his soulmate and best friend, Pat. He spent the next 14 years at Harvard Medical School as a research fellow, assistant and associate professor. During that time, he taught anatomy and cellular biology while conducting research in human reproduction and reproductive biology. He then joined the facility at the University Of South Carolina School Of Medicine as a tenured professor of anatomy and cell biology, a position held for 21 years. . Dr. Millette was a founding faculty member of the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine which opened in 2010. Dr. Millette’s major teaching responsibilities were in histology and biochemistry as well as participation in courses in physiology and neuroscience. He was named “Best Science Professor” by the freshman class at WCUCOM on three occasions. During his career he served on numerous scientific editorial boards as well as administrative committees both for the institutions where he worked and for the National Institute of Health. He contributed over 80 publications on his research to the scientific literature. Dr. Millette valued the relationships with each and every person that was a part of his life. But beyond the classroom was his true passion, what he loved more than anything else in this world, his family. Clarke loved being a husband and father. He reveled in his family’s love and cherished his time watching it grow. He had an unbelievable sense of humor, unmatched level of kindness and a truly loving spirit. He was a man of many hobbies and talents from bird watching to lake fishing to classical music; Clarke did not have time to be idle. He wanted everyone to remember him for “trying his best” And Dr. Millette can rest assured, he will be remembered for that trait and so much more. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced. Pinehaven Funeral Home is honored to assist the Millette Family during this difficult time.