Clayton Smith

1932 - 2017

Coral, Michigan – Clayton W. Smith age 85, of Coral, Michigan was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 19, 2017. He was born March 24, 1932, the son of Glenn and Mary Helen Smith. He served his country in the US Air Force from 1951-1954. He married the love of his life, LaVerna Joan Thatcher on October 6, 1951. Together they went to the Fundamental Bible Institute of L.A., California and received training at New Tribes Mission in Modesto, California. He was ordained in the Gospel Ministry on March 6, 1969 at Bitely Community Church, Bitely, MI. From the time he met Jesus in 1957, until his heart surgery in 2010, Clayton was involved in church work, personal evangelism and jail ministry. He was dedicated in serving his Lord. He retired after 32 years of employment with TNT Holland Motor Freight. He is survived by his wife LaVerna Joan Smith (66 years together). Also surviving are his children; Wendy (Denny) Fankhauser of Howard City, MI, Gregory Smith of Elkins, AR, Tammie (Neal) Hayden of Coral, MI, Jodi Grear of Grand Rapids, MI, and Clayton W. Smith Jr. of Sand Lake, MI. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren and 68 great grandchildren, who all loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and thirteen siblings. Memorial services will take place on August 23, 2017 at Emmanuel Baptist Church of Coral, MI. at 1:00pm. The family will greet friends at the church on Tuesday 22, 2017 from 6-8pm and again on Wednesday August 23, 2017 from noon until the time of service; luncheon to follow.