Clifford Wayne Smith

Clifford Wayne Smith, 71 of Lake Charles passed away April 13, 2023. He was born March 1, 1952 in Jennings, LA. He was the oldest son born to Clifford and Ruby Smith. 

He grew up in Sulphur and graduated from Sulphur High School, class of 1971. He went on to attend McNeese State University where he obtained a bachelors degree in education. He was a member of Church of Christ in Sulphur, LA. 

He was a family man, whether spending time with his children or his extended family; the get togethers were dear to him. LSU was his favorite team and he never missed an opportunity to talk about his beloved Tigers or attending the games in person. If he was not coaching to teaching, he enjoyed taking trips to Galveston Beach and surfing when the waves were just right. 

His career spanned over thirty years working in various schools in Louisiana and Texas as an American History teacher and athletic coach. Athletics were an extension of his family; he never turned away from mentoring students. He loved all sports and some of his accomplishments included coaching in the semi-finals in the Astro Dome and the LA Allstar Games in the LSU Stadium.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ruby Ann Smith. 

Those left to cherish his memory are; his children, Dustin Smith and fiancé Lyndsey and Paige Smith; three grandchildren, Paisley, Landyn & Kennedy; brother, Keith Smith; nephews, Aaron K. Smith and Brant D. Smith; great nieces, Bailey and Briella. 

The family invites friends to stop by and share a fond memory during their family reunion at the Christian Youth Camp the weekend of May 5, 2023. Camp is located at 720 Ingallwood Park Rd. DeRidder, LA 70634.