Alan D. Clemmons was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to parents Carl L. Clemmons and Geraldine “Gerry” Clemmons. He is married to the former Laura Ann Fipps and they have two children, Alayne and Kelly.

Judge Clemmons is a 1982 graduate of University of South Carolina and a 1989 graduate of Hamline University School of Law. He held elected office for eighteen years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he served as Chairman of the Rules Committee for twelve years. During his service in the House of Representatives, Judge Clemmons was appointed to serve on the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, where he served for eight years, and ended his tenure on the Commission as its Chairman. In the interim of his service in the South Carolina House of Representatives and as Master in Equity, he was appointed to serve as a Director of the South Carolina Bureau of Economic Advisors and the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.

Judge Clemmons has been recognized for his service at home and abroad. His honors include: Order of the Palmetto, Governor Henry McMaster, 2021; Thomas Jefferson Freedom Award, American Legislative Exchange Council, 2020; Aaron Solomon Award for Service to Humanity, Brith Shalom Beth Israel Congregation, 2018; Honorary Doctor of Philosophy, La Universidad Rural de Guatemala, 2018; Lifetime Achievement Award, World Jewish Congress and Israeli Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, 2018; National Outstanding Eagle Scout, National Eagle Scout Association, 2018; Defender of Freedom Award, Center for Security Policy, 2016; Citizen of the Year, Pee Dee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 2011; Silver Beaver, Boy Scouts of America, 2010; and Outstanding Alumnus of the year, Coastal Carolina University, 2004.

Judge Clemmons was in private practice in Myrtle Beach from his admission to the South Carolina Bar in 1990 until his appointment as Master in Equity in 2022.