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Clifford “Smitty” Leland Smith, age 86, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. He was born in Moorland, IA on February 4, 1934 to Clifford and Lola (Cripps) Smith.
Clifford served his county in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician’s Mate 1st Class during the Korean War from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956 with the Good Conduct Medal. He was also a faithful member of Moorepark Community Church.
In December of 1952, Clifford married his love, Phyllis (Milhollin) Smith, and enjoyed 36 wonderful years of marriage with three girls until her passing in 1989.
Using his electrical education, he started at Johnson and then the Navy. Clifford began his new civilian life at Continental Can, then branched out and owned Smith’s Egg Farm (there isn’t a grandchild who can barely stand a chicken or egg), Smitty’s Sportsman’s Tavern next, then John & Cliff’s Electric Company. Clifford’s work career ended retiring from the General Motors Plant.
In 1993, Clifford found love again and married Nancy (Mitchell) Smith. They were perfect for each other. He found quickly that Nancy’s children adopted him. Not having a grandfather of their own, he filled that void and they loved him as their own.
This is when they began a new adventure riding motorcycles. Crazy motorhome travels also ensued. Hard to find anything with wheels he didn’t appreciate. All his life, Clifford loved cars. Early in his life, one of his favorites was a Studebaker Hawk and later a Camaro Iroc. Lots of pictures were taken in front of these! Nancy and Smitty loved motorcycles and motorhomes and this love followed him into his later years.
He enjoyed camping, casinos, traveling, fishing in Canada and Irons, MI and breakfast with a special group of people, but most of all spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by parents Clifford and Lola (Cripps) Smith, first wife of 36 years Phyllis (Milhollin) Smith, sister Dorothy (Smith) Trump, daughter Kelly (Smith) Arnold, grandson Richard Talbott, and step-granddaughter Samantha Mitchell.
Surviving to cherish his memory is wife Nancy (Mitchell) Smith; daughters Kristi (Dave) Jacobs, step-grandson Joe Hassenger; Jill (Terry) Sibert, grandson Dan (Christina) Millard and two great-grandchildren, granddaughter Danica (Daniel Colton) Millard and three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; granddaughter Amy (Alex) Dugan and two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, granddaughter Sara (Vinnie) Rumple and two great-grandchildren, stepson Randy Mitchell, one step-grandchild; stepson Cody (Tammy) Mitchell, one step-grandchild, three great-step-grandchildren; brother-in-law Carl Trump; nephew Craig (Beth) Hagen, two great-nephews, one great-great-nephew and two great-great nieces; and Michael Timm (Susan) Trump, one great-nephew, one great niece and two great-great-nephews.
In keeping with Clifford’s wishes, cremation will be conducted and interment of cremains will be held at a later date at Moorepark Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project or Moorepark Community Church. Envelopes available and may be sent to Hohner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1018, Three Rivers, MI 49093 in care of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.
