Obituary of Clarence Arthur Smith

Clarence Arthur Smith Jr. “Smitty”, passed away on March 18, 2015 at the age of 91 following a brief illness. He died at his residence at Cottonwood Village, in Cottonwood, AZ surrounded by his family. He was born September 17, 1923 to parents Clarence Arthur Smith and Zoe Smith nee Netherton in Kansas City, Missouri. Smitty is survived by his children Thomas, Teresa, Richard, Janis, Phillip, and Martha, his step-son David, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived his sister Alice, and predeceased by his parents, step-mother Norma, his sister Marie, brothers David and Norman, his first wife Mary, his second wife Doris, and his third wife Nellie. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who knew him fondly as Uncle Art. Smitty grew up in Missouri, attended East High School in Kansas City, MO graduating in 1941. Two years later he joined the Army and went to WW II. He was a proud United States of America Army Veteran having served in WW II as an Army Medic and Medical truck driver during the war from January 8, 1943 to being honorably discharged in January of 1946. After leaving the Army Smitty held many jobs including time as an H&R Block Tax preparer and most notably as the owner of Smith Fasteners in Bellflower, CA. Throughout his life Smitty earned numerous awards and achievements. Before moving to Arizona, he was active in the Masonic Lodge in Missouri, Kansas and California. He was a past-Master, a Noble, a member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Knights Templar, and Shriners International. He was a Keynote Speaker with the Toastmasters International, a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion, and a member of the Elks Lodge and Rotary. He enjoyed square-dancing, ballroom dancing, golf and bowling. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He played the guitar, mostly country and blues or folk songs and was often found entertaining other residents and workers where he resided. Smitty was full of advice and always freely gave it to anyone who would lend an ear. He was loved by many and will most certainly be missed.