Clifford Alan Smith, age 66, of Fayetteville, TN passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after a short battle with cancer.
Clifford, the middle of three children, was born on December 29, 1958, in Selma, AL to the late Marine Bledsoe Smith of Fayetteville and Doris McMillan Smith of DeFuniak Springs, FL. His birthday was often celebrated as “Cliffmas” by his family. Mr. Smith was a 1976 graduate of Central High School in Fayetteville. After graduating, Cliff roofed houses with his father developing a life-long career as a self-employed builder. Creating special additions and “fixing” whatever a neighbor needed gave him a lifetime of challenge and enjoyment.
Cliff committed his life to the Lord and was deeply loved by his family, neighbors, and community. He held leadership roles in his church such as Elder, Sunday School teacher, and special church classes. His integrity, humor, and respectful manner was deeply tied to his family, love of land and nature, and his enduring faith.
Survivors include his sisters, Belinda Smith Patrick and Wanda Smith Locker (Rocky); nieces, Reen Locker Baskin (Jamie), Celess Locker Friend (Cory), Maghan Patrick Cowley (Chase), Mollee Patrick Berzett (Jake), and Macey Patrick Hill (Mick); and one nephew, Ryan Locker (Sarah). These were his “kids” as he would often say, and they lovingly called him their Funcle. Cliff is also survived by his great nieces and nephews, Camden, Carter, Cyless Friend, Macklen, Rylan, and Locke Baskin, Maddie, Emma, and Noah Locker, and Grady and Charlee Berzett; also Uncle Charles McMillan, Jr. (Betty), Aunt Mae Urban with several cousins, and his stepmother, Dean Smith.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Guy Patrick, and his great-niece, Klare Cowley.
A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Dwight Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 9am until 11am on Saturday at Higgins.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, PO Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Clifford Alan Smith.
One of the best! Been neighbors with Cliffy all my life. Always blew his horn whenever he came by the house if we were outside. Always happy and smiling.. rest in peace my friend. You will be greatly missed
When I last visited with Cliff in November he said he would come see us in the spring to do some much needed repairs on our house. He did not mention that he wasn’t well so this news of his passing is a sad shock.
Cliff was a wonderful neighbor to us when we moved to Hughey in 1980; helped us put up hay several years.
Cliff was the first friend I met in Lincoln County when I moved here after leaving the Navy. Not long after we met he took me to Chuck Wagon for a steak dinner and started introducing me to Lincoln County. He has always been a true friend and helped my mom out on her farm and was always there to lend a hand if needed. You will be dearly missed my friend especially at our breakfasts at Chuck Wagon and our lunches whenever we could meet up. Thank you for everything over the years
Clifford was a patient of mine for many years.I was his chiropractor.Clfford was a very special man who was most respectful and appreciative.
We all thought highly of Clifford.
I.hope to see him.again in a new body that is healthy forever.
Clifford was a great man. Always full of life with a smile on his face. I will never forget you dear friend. Fly high !! Stay strong Belinda and Wanda. Love you
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Smith. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you now and in the days ahead.
So Very Sorry to hear of Ciffords passing. Prayers for all his family and friends.God has gained another Angel
We only knew Cliff for a short amount of time, but he was a great friend of friends. Someone you could sit down and talk with him, like you knew him all your life. We’re gonna miss your old buddy, but now you’re out of all pain.
Take Care
Sending our thoughts and sympathy to Clifford’s family.
This is devastating and This wonderful man was a lifelong friend who was one of our dearest neighbors. Clifford was an extremely good person who we, our family adored. Prayers for strength and peace for his loved ones 🙏 ❤️