Clair Dale Smith

In the quiet early afternoon of November 11, 2024, Clair went to be with his forever sweetheart. Though we have joy that Dad and Mom are now together again, they are both so missed. 

Clair leaves behind his brother, Dean Smith and Sister Joanne Smith Moya. Children, Tim (Paula), Jodi (Darin), Eric (Cari). Grandchildren, Brandon, Dustin, and Jared. Great- grandchildren, Bryan, Jaxon, Katie-Lynn, and Jaelyn. He is preceded in death by his dear Wife, Sharon Smith, who he has terribly missed for 1 year, 4months and 3 days. 

Clair was born in Bend, Oregon as the 3rd of 4 children to Lyle and Rose Smith. At the age of 8 years of age Clair and his family moved to Maverick, AZ. where his father, Lyle Smith, ran Maverick Logging Camp. Clair was given a great deal of freedom as a child to wander, explore and fish everywhere imaginable. Clair could name every bit of flora and fauna imaginable and was quite a man of nature. Rose Smith had to even tell her son, Clair, that he was grounded to the state of Arizona. Clair shared his bedroom with Squirrels, Owls and any other creature he came across, He even raised baby trout from eggs in a bathtub. 

Clair would go on to attend Camelback High School in Phoenix, where he met Sharon. Clair and Sharon were married on September 5, 1962. In the early years of his marriage, he lived in Maverick and drove a logging truck for Southwest Forest Industries with his father, Lyle Smith as his boss. During this time, he was honored to drive the White House Christmas Tree harvested from Maverick on his truck. Clair then went on to move his family back to Phoenix, AZ and work for Tanner Companies starting as a Truck Driver and then becoming a Transportation Manager. In 1972 he was transferred to Tucson to run the Tucson sector. Clair and Sharon moved full-time to the White Mountains in 1989, and Clair became a Dispatcher for Show Low Ready Mix. 

In all the years even through multiple health issues including advanced Dementia, Clair always remembered his Truck Drivers names and phone numbers. Amazingly he never forgot his employee number when he started at Tanner Companies. Later in his life after he had some time on his hands, he was able to find a love of making beautiful custom fishing poles and became adept at tying flies for his fishing adventures. 

Clair was rarely serious and had a twinkle in his eye, especially if he was up to some mischief or dropping one of his famous one liners. He was a man of purpose and "getting stuff done". Clair's family was his priority and his joy. "Grandpa 911" was his code. Clair's quiet humility, strength and dignity will always be remembered, he was a respected gentleman and a example to all who knew him. 

Clair's family would like to thank, Dr. Jeff Moffat and his Staff, Accord Hospice and Nikki Snow for helping us care for our dear Dad, Grandpa, Brother and Friend.

Services for Clair will take place on Friday, November 22nd 2024 at Owens Livingston Mortuary in Show Low, AZ. Public viewing will begin at 1230pm. The funeral service will take place at 1pm with the committal service at Reed Hatch Cemetery in Taylor, AZ to follow immediately afterwards.