Clifton B. Smith, Sr.

Clifton B. Smith, Sr., 82, of DeRidder, LA,  passed peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born to Walter and Stella Smith in E. Lumberton, NC, on May 1, 1930.  He retired in 1971, as 1SGT  in the U.S. Army, serving 2 tours in Vietnam and was the recipient of the Bronze Star for Heroism.  He also served 10 years as Captain of the DeRidder Fire Department.  In his retirement years, he enjoyed RVing, fishing, gardening, attending Gospel concerts and attending Unity Baptist Church of DeRidder, where he was a member. He will be remembered, and was loved by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory  are his wife of 58 years, Elsa Berger Smith; 3 sons, Walter Smith and wife Cyndi of San Bernardino, CA, Ray Smith and wife Tammy of DeRidder, LA and Clifton Smith, Jr. and wife Bridget of Lake Charles, LA; 8 grand children and 6 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Stella Smith; son, Robert “Bobby” Alan Smith; 12 brothers and sisters; and mother and father in-law, Max and Anna Berger.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Funeral services will be on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 2:00pm also at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder.  Bro. Roger Gill and Bro. Michael Burkes of Unity Baptist Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Army Emergency Relief Fund at DFMWR Army Community Service, Attn: AER, 1591 Bell Richard Ave.  Bldg 920, Ft. Polk, LA 71459 or Unity Baptist Church, 19373 Lake Charles Hwy, DeRidder, LA 70634.