Obituaries: Smith

Posted on October 6, 2016

Clifford Smith

Clifford E. Smith, 85, of Pontiac passed away Oct. 5 at OSF Medical Center in Peoria after a courageous seven-week battle with the MRSA virus.

There will be a celebration of life at the Pontiac Elks Club from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday.

Cliff was born June 2, 1931 in Earlville, Ill. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna; son Jeffrey, Irvine, Calif. daughter in law Feng; and two granddaughters Judy and Kathy. Cliff is also survived by his sister Lois, El Cajon, Calif. and brother Lester, Leland, Ill.

Cliff graduated from ISU in 1953 and received his Master’s Degree in Education in 1960. His senior year in college he was captain of the track team running the 100 yard dash in 9.9 seconds. He also ran the 220 yard dash and anchored the 440 relay team.

After college Cliff spent two years in the Marine Corp earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Cliff taught in Coal City, Wilmington and at Thornton Township High School in Harvey Ill. He was head football coach for 10 years and head golf coach for over 20 years. Cliff was also the director of Thornton’s driver education program.

He was a member of Lincolnshire Country Club, serving as president in 1975. Upon retirement, Cliff and Donna relocated from South Holland to Pontiac. Cliff was a life member of the Elks Club. He especially enjoyed his weekly golf foursome of many years at the Elks golf course. Cliff carried his passion for golf to their winter home in Port St. Lucie, Florida with his regular foursome. Cliff made golf trips to Ireland and Spain as well as a fishing trip to Alaska.

Memorials to be made to the First United Methodist Church of Pontiac or the Elks Scholarship Fund.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to the family at calvertmemorial.com.

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