Clarence Merle Smith, Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret.)

North Augusta, SC…..Mr. Clarence Merle Smith, Jr., "Smitty," beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and retired US Army Sergeant First Class, entered into his rest at his residence on June 2, 2024 at the age of 90.

He was born in Linesville, PA on September 21, 1933 to the late Clarence Merle and Deetta Wheeler Smith.

While serving our nation in the Army for twenty years, Clarence was deployed to Vietnam for two years and Korea for three years. He also spent three years stationed in Germany before retiring as a drill sergeant. He was the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and an Army Commendation Medal. He was a member of American Legion Post 71 in North Augusta.

He also served his church, as the head usher at Pine View Baptist Church in Augusta, where he was a member for seventeen years.

Reunited with him in heaven are his parents; his stepdaughter Phyllis Dyches; a grandson, James “Jimmy” Casey; and his brothers and sisters, Ralph Smith, Charles Smith, Donald Smith, June Walton, and Dora Kling.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Margaret Young Smith; daughter, Jeanne Smith Henderson (Joe); step-son, Donald Coursey (Louise); grandchildren Samantha Anderson (Eric), Donnie Coursey (Dana), Jennifer Bolin (Doug), and Amanda Blackwell; and ten great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Rowland-Ford Funeral Home on Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 7 at 2:00 PM in the Rowland-Ford Funeral Home Chapel, Pastor Jeff Hines officiating. Interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Army honors will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Clarence’s memory may be made to Pine View Baptist Church, 119 Pleasant Home Road, Augusta, GA 30907.

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