Claire E. Smith

Claire E. Smith, 81, of South Haven, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from the VA Hospital in Battle Creek. Claire was born September 2, 1933 to Joel and Eunice (Ridgely) Smith in Allegan County, Michigan. Claire was educated in the Cheshire Public School System in Allegan and later went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956. Claire married Janet Clay on June 6, 1963. Claire enjoyed fishing and spent many summers with friends and family on the water. He was also a licensed pilot who loved airplanes and even built his own glider plane. He was a member of the Greater Pentecostal Temple.

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his wife – Janet Smith, sister – Evelyn Smith, and brothers – Lloyd, Everett, and Dale Smith.

Claire leaves to cherish his memory his sons – Joseph Clay, Jr. and Ronald Clay of Kalamazoo; daughter – Linda (Leon) Clay Garvin of Phoenix, Arizona; sister – Goldean Tate of Grandville, Michigan; brother – Ross Smith of Cheshire, Michigan; special sister-in-law and caregiver – Jerrye Cox. Eight grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, April 27, 2015 with Pastor Aaron Cobb officiating at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven.