Clifford “Sweetwater” Smith, aged 82, peacefully passed away on Friday, May 10th, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home in Knoxville, TN. Born on December 8th, 1941, in Phelps, Kentucky, Clifford was the beloved son of the late Charlie and Lakie Sullivan Smith.
Clifford was a devout Christian whose life was marked by his unwavering faith. For over five decades, he proudly served as a member of the United Mine Workers of America, embodying dedication and solidarity. With almost 32 years of service, Clifford retired from Chisholm Coal Company in 1998. He was also a former member of the Hamblen County Car Club, cherishing a shared love for automobiles with dear friends.
A loyal supporter of the University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball, Clifford's passion for sports extended to his enduring loyalty to the LA Dodgers, tracing back to their days as the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, his greatest joy was found in the timeless melodies of the 50s and 60s, a love he graciously passed down to his grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, James Edward Smith and Willie Smith, Clifford is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Catherine (Cathy) Dado Smith, his daughters Chaunda Hodges (fiance' David Jetton) and Christa Sturgill, alongside her husband Josh. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, cherished by his siblings Mary Lou Casey, Estel Smith, and Marie Amburgy, as well as his adoring grandchildren: Gia Hodges, Antanina Hodges, Caden Sturgill, and Isabella Sturgill.
A gathering to celebrate Clifford's life will be held on Monday, May 13th, at 1:00 pm at Stubblefield Funeral Home in Russellville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, Federal tax ID 13-3039601.
