Kevin Clay Smith

1963 - 2025

Kevin Clay Smith
09-18-1963 – 12-29-2025
Coahoma, Texas
In the early morning hours of December 29, 2025, Kevin 'Clay' Smith left our world moving on to a better place full of love and peacefulness. He is now resting with Jesus and those who went before him.
Born on September 18, 1963, in Tyler, Texas, to Stanley Clifford and Mary Frances Smith, Clay was the baby of the family with older brothers David Smith and Alan Smith. Clay is survived by his wife, Cindy, and their daughters Kalea Rees and husband Loren, and Savannah Schwartz, and husband Kye and his grandchildren Shay David and Callahan Clay Schwartz; his two brothers, David Smith and wife Liz and Alan Smith and wife Kathleen, along with six nieces and nephews Laura, Julia Anna, Brandon, Courtney, and Camille. He was preceded in death by both parents Stan and Mary, stepfather, Jim Burrus, older brother Michael Todd, and nephew Adam Smith.
Tyler, Texas served as the stomping grounds for Clay as a child growing up in east Texas. He told many stories of the 'good ole days' from his time in Tyler and great times with family and friends. He graduated from high school in Tyler, attended Tyler Junior College and then went on to graduate from Texas Tech University. He was an avid Red Raider fan and developed a love for west Texas during his time in Lubbock.
After graduating from Texas Tech with a degree in electrical engineering technology, Clay took a job at Fina, now known as the Big Spring Refinery, in July 1993. Clay dedicated almost 31 years to his work at the refinery but more importantly he made many good friends during his time there and could keep a crowd laughing at the many stories he would tell.
Clay led a solid, quiet life living in Coahoma, Texas where he was outnumbered in a house of women. His girls were the most important people in his world, and he was so proud of the life built with them after marrying Cindy in 2002. Through days of school programs, travel softball, high school sports, college life and wedding celebrations, nothing made him more proud than being a bonus dad to both Kalea and Savannah.
He was a husband, a father, a PeePaw, a brother, a son, and a friend, but more importantly he was a strong man of character who lived a life of example for anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Some people shine too brightly to ever be forgotten, and Clay was one of those people. He always faced both the highs and lows of life with positivity and courage and was willing to reach out a hand to help others whenever it was needed. Those we have once loved, we can never lose.
Family visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, Big Spring from 5pm-7pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11am at Coahoma Community Fellowship Church in Coahoma, Texas. All are welcome to attend to honor Clay and share cherished memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in honor of Clay be made to the Kidney Cancer Association at kidneycancer.org or the Howard College Student Success Fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com