Clyde Blackburn Smith Jr.

Clyde Blackburn "C.B." Smith, Jr. Fulton Clyde Blackburn "C.B." Smith, Jr., age 88, of Fulton, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Battle Creek Health System with his family at his side. He was born on Saturday, March 13, 1920 in Wakeshma Township, MI to Cora Elsie and Clyde Blackburn Smith Sr. At age 14 he hauled rocks to help build the Leonidas School. He married Bertha Denney on September 13, 1947 in Mansfield, Ohio. He was a custom farmer in the local area for many years. He worked as a welder at Star Mobile Homes in Union City. He was employed at Clark Equipment Company in Battle Creek where he was also part of the Fire Response Brigade. He retired in 1983. During this time he was an active volunteer fire fighter with the Wakeshma Fire Department for nearly 50 years. He was a loyal member of the Fulton Christian Church. He enjoyed fishing and growing special flowers which he shared with many. Clyde is survived by his wife of 60 years; his children, Elizabeth (Marvin) Van Sickle of Bellevue, MI, Joseph Smith of Vicksburg, MI, John Smith of Colon, MI, Margaret Rance of Fulton, MI, Charles Smith of Sherwood, MI and James Smith of Fulton, MI; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Jean Marions of San Diego, CA and Phyllis Moore of Yelm, WA; and three brothers James Smith of Athens, MI, Richard Smith of San Diego, CA and Ronald Smith of Pine, CO. Friends may call at the Spencer Family Funeral Home in Athens where the family will be present from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 5th at the Fulton Christian Church with the Rev. Jim Roberts officiating. Interment North Fulton Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Fulton Christian Church Children's Fund. Arrangements by Spencer Family Funeral Home, Athens. www.spencerfamily funeralhome.com