Claud Smith will be forever loved and missed. He passed away November 14, 2025, at 89 years old. He was born on July 29, 1936, in Bolton, Mississippi, to Bracy Lyn Smith and Beatrice Lee Williams.
He lived a hard life as a child. At one point he wanted to be a life guard, and to do that he trained until he was strong enough to swim across the Mississippi River. This became a great accomplishment for him, and he was proud to be the only one who could make it all the way across. When he became old enough, he joined the United States Army Ready Reserve. He enlisted on December 21, 1954, and transferred to the Army Reserve on December 21, 1957. He was Honorably Discharged June 11, 1958.
Claud served a total of sixteen years, including time in Germany. In later years, he learned Upholstery, which became his passion. While caring for his wife and eight
children, he also worked climbing and painting tall radio towers and doing Upholstery on the side. He worked for Montgomery Ward and Karlin’s Furniture in Topeka, Kansas, and his work was later displayed in store front windows. Much of it was completed in his garage. During this time, he also trained dogs and became well known for it. He eventually earned enough to open his own shop named Claud Smith’s Upholstery.
Claud loved watching Westerns, The Price is Right, and both professional and college football. His greatest joy was fishing. If he was missing from the campsite, he was by the water. He also loved his pets and shared a special bond with his cat Sunkiss and his turtle Benji.
Claud believed in education and always shared lessons with those around him. Whether talking, playing a game or spending time with children or adults, he found a way to teach something meaningful.
Claud was a devoted father to all of his children. He loved his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews just as much as his own. He was a devoted husband and deeply cherished his wife Lee Ann Casey Smith, who preceded him in death. He will be lovingly remembered by his many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family who will carry his memory forward.
We all say, “You will truly be missed Dad, Grandpa, Pops, G-Pop and Uncle Claud. We will keep you in our hearts and remember you always!”
