Clifford F Smith

He graduated in 1989 from Pleasant High School in Marion OH, where he played on The Spartans football team as an offensive lineman.

At the age of 22, Cliff became a dad to his pride and joy, CJ. There was nothing more important than spending time with him and making memories. From family dinners, board games and vacations, to show choir performances and band concerts, Cliff did everything he could to make sure that CJ knew he was loved.

His professional life included a successful career at Lumen (Century Link), where he was four months shy of celebrating 25 years of tenure.

Cliff met the love of his life, Laura, in February 2007. They were married seven months later on September 1, 2007 in Portage Lakes, OH. They moved to Avondale, Arizona in 2014, where they planned to make their forever home. Cliff was an incredible, dedicated husband and made sure that Laura knew without a doubt how much she was loved and cherished.

Cliff was a die-hard Ohio State football fan. He never missed a game, to the extent that his wedding had to be planned around the team’s schedule. At one point in his life, he tried to join the team as a walk-on.

Besides Ohio State football, some of Cliff’s interests included listening to all genres of music (and singing at the top of his lungs with his headphones on), watching T.V. and movies, hanging out in his swimming pool, surprising people with gifts, and travelling when he was able. He had a competitive streak and enjoyed playing cards (especially euchre) and board games but absolutely hated to lose!

Cliff had a heart of gold, a giving spirit, a great sense of humor and a special love for family, friends and rescue dogs. He was known for being a “teddy bear” and giving the best hugs. His loving and giving spirit will be greatly missed.

Cliff is preceded in death by his mother Marilyn Kay Smith, his grandmother Evelyn Kinsler, his nephews Nicholas Hall and Anthony Hall and his nieces Makenzee-Kay Smith and Nicole Cook.

Cliff is survived by his wife of almost 18 years, Laura Smith (nee Winkler), sons Clifford Jacob (CJ) (Chantel) Smith, Daniel (Tobi) Winkler, dad Marvin Smith, sisters Angela Hall and Michelle (Jamie) Mergy, brother Richard (Deb) Gillon, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, best friends Chuck Olmstead, Beth Olmstead, and Chad Curry and his best buddy/fur babies Jagger and Zoe.

Cliff’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in the Fireside room at Dayspring Wesleyan Church, 2431 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd, Marion, OH 43302 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Cliff’s honor to a favorite dog rescue or charity of your choice.