Master Chief Clayton Coleman Smith, Jr.

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Clayton C. Smith, Jr. transitioned peacefully from this life into his glorified body with Jesus.

Clayton was born on July 20, 1941 to Clayton Coleman Smith, Sr. and Agnes Camellia Hodges, both of who predeceased him in death. Clayton graduated from Hinton High School in West Virginia in 1959. He then enlisted in the United States Navy. In February of 1960, Clayton married his long-time sweetheart, Wanda E. Richmond and they spent 66 years together as companions and best friends. Wanda became Clay's entire world and Clayton was her entire world. Together, they sailed through his 27 year commitment of his Navy career to include time served on the USS Wasp, the USS Cromwell, the USS Hawkins, the USS Recovery, and the USS Guam. He also served shore duty assignments at SIMA Little Creek Amphibious Base.

While aboard the USS Guam, Clayton served as the Command Master Chief, a position which became the highlight of his career. Most memorable to Clayton was that he was able to experience USO tours and he wrote to the Secretary of Defense requesting permission to make Bob Hope (the USO tour leader and famous comedian) an Honorary Chief. The Secretary of Defense not only approved Master Chief Smith's request, but to his surprise arranged to have Clayton do the honors of pinning Bob Hope as an Honorary Chief during the 1984 Christmas USO Tour of the USS Guam in the Med. Master Chief Smith treasured those memories and was grateful to have met Ann Jillian and Loretta Lynn.

Clayton had a very successful Navy career, during which he impacted lives of many aspiring young sailors to become future leaders. Clayton always displayed a work ethic that was honorable, loyal, and integrity driven. He believed earnestly in "others before self". In 1986, Clayton retired from the US Navy with the highest of honors.

After his military career, Clayton went on to work for Exxon Corporation for 18 years before retiring permanently.

Upon final retirement, Clayton embarked upon many travels with his lovely bride, Wanda, who faithfully stood by him through all his career endeavors. He always said "Being a Navy Wife is the toughest job in the World".

Clayton never met a stranger. He would do anything to help a person in distress. Clayton was compassionate, empathetic and caring towards everyone. He lived a life of self-sacrifice and he was a cheerful giver. He often bragged on how good God is to have allowed him long-life because he had brushed death many times and lived to see victory in another day.

Clayton loved music, animals and children. He cared for so many of the elderly. Clayton loved his friends, his church, and his family but most of all, Clayton loved and adored his precious wife, Wanda.

"Master Chief" as he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him, was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Christine Engleman, his son, Clayton C. Smith, III, his grandson, David Lee Smith and his adopted daughter, Rhonda Leonard.

Clayton is survived by the love of his life, Wanda; his daughter, Donna Smith-Bush (NC), his son, Duane Lee Smith (GA); and 6 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to: Azalea Baptist Church, 3314 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA 23518.The family invites friends for a time of visitation on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Clayton's funeral service will be at the Azalea Baptist Church on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Please visit his webpage at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com to leave of condolence to the family.