Clarence M. Smith
NAPLES, Fla.—Clarence M. “Smitty” Smith, 79, of The Shores, Naples, Fla., died peacefully Jan. 26, 2009.
He was a senior industrial engineer at Ford Motor Company’s Norfolk, and Louisville, Kentucky, plants from 1955 until his retirement in 1988.
Born in Winston Salem, N.C., Aug. 18, 1929, he was a son of the late Clarence Monroe and Elsie (Trusler) Smith.
Mr. Smith was raised in Suffolk where he graduated from Suffolk High School. He served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps with his last year as a drill sergeant at Parris Island, S.C.
Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Smitty worked for Norfolk Newspapers and in 1955 began his career with Ford while attending The College of William and Mary.
He was transferred to Louisville where he was a member of Immanuel UCC for 32 years and Polo Fields Country Club where he enjoyed golfing.
He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons for 50 years, Scottish Rite Temple, Kosair Shrine, Marco Island Shriners and Mayflower Congregational UCC of Naples for 10 years.
He loved to fly and received his private pilot’s license and instrument rating at Bowman Field, Louisville.
Survivos include his devoted wife of more than 56 years, Margaret “Maggie” (Johnson) Smith; a son, Glenn Keith Smith and his wife, Kim of LaGrange, Kentucky; a daughter, Kathy L. Walts and husband Richard of Louisville, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Shannen (Pat) Money and Travis S. Smith, all of LaGrange and Leslie R. Walts and Leah K. Walts of Louisville; two great-grandsons, Zachary and Gavin of LaGrange; two sisters, Edna (Marvin) Bloch, Atlanta and Elizabeth Charles, Virginia Beach; two brothers, Douglas (Jane) Smith, Windsor and James W. (Judy) Smith, Chesapeake; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. in Mayflower Congregational UCC, 2900 County Barn Road, Naples, Fla., with the Rev. Bob Townsend, his pastor, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Mayflower Congregational UCC, P.O. Box 11133, Naples, FL 34101 or Alzheimer’s Support Network, 660 Tamiami Trail, N. Suite 21, Naples, FL 34102 or Vitas Hospice, 1415 Panther Lane, Suite 160, Naples, FL 34109.
Cremation arrangements are by the Beachwood Society, Naples, 239-261-1767.