Clyde C. Smith, age 86, of 2701 1st Avenue South (West Highland Apartments), passed away Monday afternoon, October 12, 2009, at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Clyde was born, January 18, 1923, in Randolph, AL, the son of Ernest and Maude (Gothard) Smith. He was raised in central Alabama and attended the Alabama schools. Following school, Clyde enlisted in the United States Army, serving during WWII, from 1942 to 1946. On March 7, 1946, Clyde married the former Carol Mae Martin and together the couple made their home and began their family in Milwaukee, WI. Over the years, Clyde worked as a welder/fabricator for Wisconsin Bridge and Iron. In addition, Clyde owned and operated “Clyde and Carol’s Tap Tavern. Upon retirement, Clyde and Carol returned to Escanaba where they resided for more than twenty years. Carol preceded Clyde in death on August 22, 2001. Clyde was a member of the Silver Winds Church in Escanaba. Clyde is remembered for enjoying time at the Breezy Point Bar having a Breezy Burger. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include:

Son: Randy (Norma) Smith of Hartford, WI

Daughter: Rhonda (John) McDowell of Milwaukee, WI

2 Brothers: Fred Smith of Oregon; J.D. Smith of Alabama

Sister: Evelyn Popwell of Alabama

6 Grandchildren: Jack, Beth, Katie, Kyle, Sara and Anna

3 Great Grandchildren: Autumn, Lexie and McKenzie

Also listed among the surviving family are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ernest and Maude, and his wife, Carol, Clyde was preceded in death by:
4 Brothers: Clarence, Otis, Claude and Robert

Clyde’s family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30PM to 1:30PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Clyde C. Smith will follow visitation, at 1:30PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, with Pastor Art Radlicki of the Silver Winds Church officiating. Committal rites as well as military rites, by the Delta County Veteran’s Council, will be conducted, following funeral services, at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are in care of arrangements.