Clinton Smith Obituary

Clinton Lester Smith passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Clinton was born the son of Lester D. & Nettie S. Smith on October 24, 1938, in Smith's Hospital, Walton, NY. He was married to the love of his life, Elizabeth Sue Church, of Hector, NY on December 26, 1959.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Sue Smith; his sons and their spouses, Michael and Karen, Daniel and Sherrie, and David and Christy; seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Clint graduated from SUNY Alfred Tech in 1957 and entered the US Navy at Niagara Falls, NY in 1958. He graduated as a Naval Aviation Cadet receiving his Pilot's wings and US Navy commission on October 21, 1959. Clint, US Navy Pilot Call sign "G-Man", completed 31 years of active duty, including graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School, retiring at rank of CAPT on July 1, 1989. Career highlights included performing as a US Navy Test Pilot, accumulating over 6000 flight hours in 77 various aircraft models, and completing 1,745 Aircraft Carrier landings on 21 different ships. After retirement, Clint and Sue traveled in their motorhome across most of the continental United States, many parts of Canada, and Alaska. Clint continued to fly for over 61 years and was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on May 25, 2011. He was a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen aviation organization; he loved the monthly QB meetings and told a lot of great jokes and entertaining stories. He was an avid snow skier, softball and baseball player through his 80th birthday.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for 2 PM, on Saturday, March 16th, at Word Fellowship Church, located at 225 Suncrest St., Gray, TN. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Word Fellowship Church.

Condolences may be sent to the Smith family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821