Published: December 08, 2008 07:12 am      

Clinton Smith

Clinton Odis Smith, 79, of Okeechobee, Fla., formerly of Eubank, Ky., went to be with the Lord on Nov. 12, 2008.

Clint grew up on a farm outside Eubank, Ky. at the beginning of the Great Depression. Toward the end of World War II, the young teenager lied about his age in an unsuccessful attempt to follow his five older brothers into military service. At age 17, he moved to the small town of Mount Morris, Ill., where he began a career as a bookbinder and machine operator. In 1966, “Smitty” moved to the Washington, D.C. area to work for the Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing. He took pride in his work and could not understand those who did not. He retired to Okeechobee in 1991 and quickly adjusted to thinking 60 degrees was cold. In all his neighborhoods, he was the best neighbor you could ever want. He was always quick to help those in need.

Clint loved his children without reservation. He struck a perfect balance between firmness and grace, and liberally said, “I love you.” Among the wisdom he passed: “You can be anything you want to be if you work hard enough” and “Nothing is more important than education.”

Clint kept God at a distance for years because he was sure he wasn’t good enough for God to accept him. At age 65 he came to understand the good news of God's grace and was baptized into Christ. He found a wonderful church family in the Okeechobee Church of Christ and threw himself into service.

Clint is survived by his children, Tina (and John) Smith, Boca Raton, Fla., Brad (and Peggy) Smith, Bakersfield, Calif., Teri (and Al) Ulferts, Mount Morris, Ill., Ed (and Wendy) Smith, Knoxville, Tenn., and Amy (and Lou) Pauline, Port St. Lucie, Fla.; grandchildren, Carter (and Molly) Kellogg, Tallahassee, Fla., Rob Smith, Asheville, N.C., Eddie Smith, Polo, Ill., Molly Ulferts, Normal, Ill., Joshua, Annie and Laurel Smith, Knoxville, Tenn., and Kiersten, Tony and Joey Pauline, Port St. Lucie, Fla.; one sister, Virginia Burton, Palmyra, Ind.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. They will miss his mischievous grin, deep laugh, gentle touch and gracious spirit.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edd and Verdie Smith; and brothers, Chester Smith, Hester Smith, Robert Smith, Fred Smith and Wendell Smith.

2 Timothy 4:6-8: “The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (today), Dec. 6, 2008, at the Eubank Church of Christ in Eubank, Ky.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to the Okeechobee (Fla.) Church of Christ, The Alzheimer's Association, The Arthritis Foundation or The American Diabetes Association.

Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at:

www.morrisandhislope.com.