Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing Sept. 9, 2011, of our father, Clifton J. Smith Sr. He was born Feb. 2, 1936.
Cliff is survived by his wife, Georgia, and their four children: Stacy, Joe, Todd and Jeff. Cliff also leaves behind six grandchildren: Ginna, Brittani, Bethany, TJ, Boston and Berlin; and one great-grandchild, Baylie. Cliff was 74 years young.
Cliff and Georgia moved from Beaumont, Texas, to The Dalles, Ore., in 1957.
Cliff made his career through hard work and dedication. He started his career in the car business initially washing cars for Harlem Griffith Ford, later moving on to Ray Schultens Ford in The Dalles. There he managed to work his way through the ranks and become a salesman; later the general manager of Fort Dalles Nissan.
In 1982 Cliff bought his first dealership, Cliff Smith Motors, in Hood River, Ore. Soon he would buy Owens Chevrolet and merge the stores, making Cliff Smith Motors a full-line General Motors dealership which he owned and operated for over 26 years.
Within the business community Cliff will be remembered for his integrity and hard-working and generous nature. He was always approachable and willing to help out in any way.
Cliff only had friends and knew no strangers. He befriended everyone he came in contact with, and will be dearly missed by all those he met.
In his personal life Cliff will be remembered as a man and a father who would do anything to provide for his family. He would sacrifice his own needs to provide for us. He taught us the value of hard work and respect.
More importantly, he should us by example. He showed us that if we set our mind to accomplish greatness we could; he did this while keeping an amazing smile. His charming smile made you feel good and would truly lighten up any room.
It's extremely hard to let go. Our father was a wonderful dad! We would like to say, "Dad, knowing you are now with God gives us all great comfort. We know this because of the man you are. We are confident when God looked onto you he said two words, 'Well done!'
"Dad, we love you and will keep you in our hearts forever. The great memories you left us all are everlasting, and for that we thank you!"
A memorial service is planned for noon Thursday, Sept. 22, at Anderson's Tribute Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.
To plant a tree in memory of Clifton Smith, Sr. as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
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Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.