Clarence Smith

Clarence L. Smith died November 30, 2021 at Jackson, Tennessee.  He was born in Lyons, OH on September 16, 1934, son of the late Charles Eugene and Merel Smith.  Clarence was a graduate of Genoa High School and later attended Toledo University.  In 1957 he was drafted into the United States Army for two years of active duty followed by four years of stand-by reserve.  Clarence had an interesting and varied career.  He was first employed by the DeVilbiss Air Power Company as a Welder and during his years of employment moved up the ranks as a Tool & Die Maker, Plant Manager of the Toledo Facility, and in 1989 he was appointed Vice-President of Operations.  As Vice-President he was responsible for moving the DeVilbiss Air Power Company manufacturing operations from Toledo to Jackson, TN.  Under Clarence’s direction and with the support of staff, Devilbiss grew and at the time of his retirement the company employed approximately 700 people.  Following a successful career in industrial management spanning 42 years with The Devilbiss Air Power Company, Clarence retired in 1995 (prior to the sale of DeVilbiss to Pentair Corporation).

Prior to Clarence’s retirement he served as a member of the General Advisory Committee and the Public Relations Committee of the Tennessee State Area Vocational-Technical School, McKellar Field.  He Co-Chaired the Jackson Chamber of Commerce’s Advanced Technical Training Sub-Committee that spearheaded bringing uniquely designed technical programs to the Jackson area and in equipping the JSCC McWherter Center.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Jackson Chapter, American Red Cross, and the Board of Directors of Youth Town.  Clarence also served a three-year term as a Commissioner of the Jackson Housing Authority following his appointment in 1994. 

Clarence was an excellent golfer and a past President of the Jackson Country Club. During Clarence’s term as President Construction began on the new Club House.   He previously served on the Board of Directors of the West Tennessee Senior Golf Association and in 2012 became an Honorary Member of that organization.  Clarence was a member of the American Legion.  He was an avid hunter and an excellent marksman who enjoyed many hunting trips with friends.  Clarence was a member of the same card group for over 15 years.  He was a wise counselor with a caring heart who supported people with disabilities both personally and financially.  Clarence was a person of Christian faith and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.  He was ordained as a Deacon in 1996 and became an Elder in 2003.  Clarence served on various committees and was a member of the Swaim Bible Class for many years.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 30 years, Norma (Allen) Smith; three step-children, Steve Farrar (Jeanie) and Dacia Farrar Brewer (Terry) of Jackson, and Scott Farrar of Arlington, TN.  He is also survived by four Step-Grandchildren, Candace Bankston (Bert), Kristin Hughes (Josh), Christopher Brewer (Hillary), and Cullen Brewer (Candace), along with eight step-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are sisters Donna (Larry) Smith of OH, and Carol Post of CO, along with many nephews and nieces.  In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Smith, Jr., Jerry Smith, and sisters, Louise Wisniewski and Doris Dunn.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1573 North Highland Avenue, Jackson, Tennessee, with Pastor John White officiating.  (Facial masks encouraged.)  Services entrusted to Stockdale Malin Funeral Home, Camden, TN.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The First Presbyterian Church.