Clifford Goldsmith

Goldsmith, Clifford Ray Clifford Ray Goldsmith, a man with a big heart and impeccable character, born September 12, 1930, passed from this life into God's waiting arms on Friday, January 10, 2014. The first son of Walter and Willie Mae Goldsmith, Cliff went to Woodrow Wilson High School where he was a top student, and a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. But he would quickly tell you that his biggest high school accomplishment by far was capturing forever the heart of his high school sweetheart, Taffy Merrell. From Woodrow, Cliff ventured out to Columbia University on a football scholarship, but missed his Taffy and returned home to the University of Texas to earn his engineering degree in 1952. Cliff graduated number one in his class of petroleum engineers, earning Tau Beta Pi honors. While at his beloved UT, he was a Silver Spur and a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, where he was the house manager and began many life-long friendships. He and Taffy were married at the Presbyterian Seminary Chapel in Austin on March 7, 1952. Although he could have had his pick of jobs with a major oil company after graduation, Cliff had a strong entrepreneurial bent and chose instead to strike out on his own, pursuing his independence and passion in the oilfields of Texas and points West. He and Taffy lived an exciting and adventurous early life, chasing their dreams in West Texas, Colorado, Nevada and Utah, toting along the first three of their five children. Eventually they returned to Dallas, and Cliff started a partnership with his family, Goldy's Parking, in downtown Dallas. Two more children came along to complete the family, and he and Taffy lived the rest of their life together in Lake Highlands. His favorite place in the world was the Cuchara Valley in Colorado, where he spent hundreds of hours hiking, giving impromptu geology lectures to the kids, and admiring Mother Nature's handiwork. Cliff was a wonderful friend and trusted advisor to so many, particularly his Woodrow buddies, many of whom are welcoming him to Heaven this week. He was a devoted big brother to his only sibling Larry, who was his business partner and lunch buddy for almost 40 years. He was a wise and gentle father and teacher to his five children, imparting life's lessons without raising a hand or his voice. But he saved the lion's share of his devotion, love and emotional life for his beloved wife Taffy, who was the light in his eyes from the day he met her in 1945. Cliff is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Clifford and Willie Mae Goldsmith. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Taffy, and their life together was a model of love and devotion for all to see. His wisdom and love will be sorely missed by his five children and their families: Karan (Joe) Callaway, Malinda (Gary) Moor, Mark (Leslie) Goldsmith, Susan (Aladin) Abughazaleh, and Rebecca (Frank) Romano. He lived long enough to know all 14 of his grandchildren: Hailey, Reid, Lane, Melissa, Drew, Camille, Laura, Sean, Will, Salem, Leigh, Katie, Reagan and Rocco. He is also survived by his brother Larry Goldsmith, his wife Teresa and their daughters Anna Goldsmith and Laurel Hooper. The Goldsmith family would like to thank their many supportive friends, Dr. Steven Renner, Dr. Darryl Kawalsky, and all the good folks at Presbyterian Hospital and Walnut Place. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. The family will receive friends and visitors from 9:00 - 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Sparkman Hillcrest. A celebration of Cliff's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16th at Sparkman Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel.