Clarence "Cliff" Smith Jr.

Clarence "Cliff" Smith Jr., 94, passed away on September 24, 2025. Cliff, as he liked to be called, was one of eight children born to Clarence C. Smith and Virginia Smith on November 19, 1930. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Sue Smith and siblings Verla Jean Smith, Barbara Gambill, and William Lynn Smith. He is survived by his brothers and sisters Bobby Lee Smith, Mary Horton, Sharon Kay Carr, and Jenny Ann Shiller. Cliff married Shirley Sue Halford, and together they raised three sons: Michael, Bryan, and Jeffrey Smith. He was the proud grandfather of six: Jeremy Smith and Heather Lebreck (Michael and Teresa); Lauren and Nicholas Smith (Bryan and Michele); Caitlin and William Smith (Jeffrey and Susan). His legacy continues through six great-grandchildren: Tristan, Elijah, and Lilly Smith (Jeremy); Kaleb and Jake Klawetter (Heather); and Lynox Smith (Nicholas). Cliff graduated from North Little Rock High School, where he played in the band. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 29, 1950, and served in the Korean War aboard the USS Virgo. While serving, he made numerous trips onshore in Korea to deliver ammunition, mail, and classified documents to the troops and command. He was honorably discharged on November 15, 1954, as a Yeoman Second Class. Cliff also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant on January 15, 1959. Following his military service, Cliff earned his business degree and began his career at W.W. Westmoreland Furniture Company in Conway, Arkansas. While living in Conway, he met Shirley Sue, and they soon married. Cliff later worked for Blass Department Store, which became Dillard's Department Store, where he served as a store manager before moving to the corporate office as Merchandising Manager for the Arkansas Division. He retired in 1995 after 31 years with Dillard's. Cliff had many passions, from his family to the animals he cared for at Misty Meadows Farm. Over the years, he and Shirley raised dogs, cats, alpacas, llamas, goats, and chickens on their seven-acre home in Gravette, creating a living legacy at Misty Meadows. Later in life, Cliff discovered a love of riding his Harley Ultra Tri-Glide, completing more than a hundred day rides through North Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Cliff will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his adventurous spirit, and the joy he found in both his work and his many hobbies. He will be remembered for a life defined by service, commitment, and the quiet strength he carried into every chapter of his journey. A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, AR, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.