Clifford James Smith's Obituary
Clifford James Smith passed away July 5th, 2020 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Plano, Texas with his wife and sons by his side. We are so proud of him for fighting a long and courageous battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
Cliff was born on March 13, 1948 to Arty and Doris (James) Smith in Boston, MA. Cliff grew up in Highland Park, Texas. He spent many childhood summers on his grandparents’ farm in Arkansas with his sister and cousins. He graduated from Highland Park High School in Highland Park,Texas in 1966. Cliff attended the University of Texas Arlington.
In 1975, Cliff married Shirlene Tidwell. From this union a son, Jason, was born. In addition to raising his son in his younger years, Cliff enjoyed working on all things mechanical, being a dare-devil with over 600 sky-diving experiences, and putting his pilot’s license to good use with travel. Cliff and Arty, his father, were both pilots and shared a love of flying together. Cliff acquired his pilot's license at 16 years old and purchased his first airplane at the age of 18.
On February 8th, 1991, Cliff was united in marriage to Joy Martinsen Smith and gained two step-sons, Barry and Clark. Cliff and Joy also welcomed a son, William, to their family.
Cliff spent his professional career working in aviation repair where he owned his own aviation repair shop, and 30 years at Dallas Avionics repairing airplane radios. He was well respected within his industry and worked up until his passing. Cliff was known for his exceptional technical skill and he was often the first person that family and friends reached out to when they needed a problem-solver. He was always more than happy to help.
Adventurous and open to new experiences, Cliff lived life to the fullest. Some of his most memorable experiences include: flying through Alaska as a young pilot, sailing with family around the Caribbean Islands, and water skiing behind airplanes. Cliff and Joy traveled to many destinations in the United States and aboard cruises around the Caribbean and Alaska. He loved trying new foods and appreciated the cultural experiences and nature scenes that traveling provided. Cliff enjoyed camping and riding dirt bikes. He shared his passion to ride motorcycles with Joy and all of his sons and grandchildren, which still actively ride to this day. Taking his Harley for an early morning cruise was one of Cliff’s greatest pleasures over the last 20 years.
Even though he liked to travel, Cliff’s favorite place to be was his home. He bought his home in the fall of 1973 and lived there until his death. He and Joy raised their four boys in this home and Cliff took great pride in preserving many original qualities of the home while also taking on home improvement projects throughout the years. The back deck and the beautiful backyard that it overlooks is where he prepared many delicious, perfectly seasoned meals on his grills and smokers for family and friends to gather and enjoy. Cliff was always ready to share food and methods he was using to prepare each meal. Cliff’s garage beckoned many friends to share in story-telling while tinkering around on a variety of machines, sipping on cold beers, and listening to great music. Cliff’s collection of knowledge and tools allowed him to offer guidance or repairs on practically anything you could bring him.
Cliff will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, the pep and energy that he brought to gatherings, his southern hospitality for guests, his sage advice regarding multiple topics, and his enthusiasm for photography that captured many special moments. All those that knew him are better people because of his influence in their lives.
He is survived by his wife Joy of 29 years, of Richardson, Texas; his sons Barry (Robin) Smith of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jason (Chandra) Smith of Lancaster, California; Clark (Meagan) Smith of Plano, Texas; and Will (Ashley) Smith of Garland, Texas. Five grandchildren Noah (Noelle) Smith and Claire Smith all of Lincoln, Nebraska; Alyce Smith, Andrew Ray, and Matthew Smith of Plano, Texas. His sister Barbara (John) Hudgens of Austin, Texas and sister Liz Carrico of Yacolt, Washington. Brothers-in-law Roy (Ann) Martinsen of Meadow Grove, Nebraska, Bill (Kathy) Martinsen of Primrose, Nebraska and Andy (Teresa) Martinsen of St. Paul, Nebraska. He is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arty and Doris Smith, his in-laws Roy and Henrietta Martinsen and his niece Wendy King.
A private family celebration of life will be held on July 20, 2020 in Memorial Chapel at Restland in Dallas, TX.
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