Clifford Eugene Smith, 76, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday, December 11, 2020 at his home under the care of Hospice with his family by his side.

The son of Leo Carl and Nellie Voncille (McCarty) Smith Sr., he was born April 21, 1944 in Novelty, Missouri. On November 7, 1970 in Kirksville, Missouri, Cliff was united in marriage to Patricia Vogler.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Patricia, of fifty years; one son, Bryan Carl Smith of Staufenberg, Germany; one daughter, Jaime Lynn Cribb of Orlando, FL; one sister, Serita Murphy of Hattiesburg, MS; one granddaughter, Alexandra Sophie Smith of Staufenberg, Germany; parents-in-law, Marvin & Carolyn Vogler of Moberly, MO; two sisters-in-law, Penny Henry of Moberly, MO and Peggy (Anthony) Aragon of Colorado Springs, CO; two brothers-in-law, Dave Turner of Shirley, IN and Paul (Daisy) Vogler of Moberly, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leo Carl Smith Jr. and Ricky Gail Smith; one sister, Lora Jane Turner, as well as his brother-in-law, James Murphy.

Cliff graduated from Kirksville High School in 1962. He began working at Hy-Vee in high school up until the time of his enlistment into the United States Navy in November 1962. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in November of 1966. Cliff returned home to continue his employment with Hy-Vee. In 1980, Cliff became the produce manager at the Kirksville Hy-Vee and served in that capacity until his retirement in December of 2000. Cliff returned to Hy-Vee working part-time at the gas station until February 2020.

Throughout the years Cliff has enjoyed a variety of activities including coaching Little League Baseball, playing golf, solving crossword puzzles and watching the Chiefs. He especially enjoyed mowing the yard and taking care of Pat's flowers. He also loved watching old westerns, especially Gunsmoke. Cliff never lost his sense of humor as he mentioned he looked forward to meeting Marshall Dillon when his journey here on Earth was finished.

Cliff was a man of wit, compassion and loyalty. He was a devoted father and husband and put all others above himself.

It was Cliff's wish to be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Cliff would like everyone to take the time to get all recommended cancer screenings and encourage their loved ones to do the same. Most cancers are preventable or treatable when discovered in their early stages.

Arrangements were taken care of by Travis-Noe Funeral Home of Kirksville.