Clinton L. "Bucky" Smith Jr.

Clinton L. “Bucky” Smith Jr. lived his life with quiet thoughtfulness and steady hands, beginning each improvement of the world in his own heart, head, and home before extending it outward. Born in September 1956 on a Sunday, he carried with him a calm presence that felt like a moment of peace amid life’s storms. He passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary Jo O’Connell Smith, with whom he shared countless laughs, road trips, long conversations, music, and the simple joy of companionship. He leaves behind four grateful daughters: C. Michelle Smith and her wife Krista Kovatch, Jennifer A. Smith, Nova A. Lynch, and Rebecca L. Gilbeaux and her husband Chad Gilbeaux. He was the proud grandfather of eight beloved grandchildren: Zoe D. Lynch, Kalee J. Gilbeaux, Isabella M. Lynch, Samantha M. Sigler, Presley B. Gilbeaux, Noah L. Smith, and Michael J. Smith. He now joins his grandson Zack J. Lynch on the next great adventure, one surely filled with the heavenly melodies of a guitar.

Clint was preceded in death by his mother, “Grandmom” Joe Anne Smith. He is survived by his father, “Pop” Clinton L. Smith Sr., and his bonus mother, “Nanna” Vivian Smith, as well as his brother Eric M. Smith, his sister Leigh Anne Saperstein and her husband Phillip W. Saperstein, and his nieces and nephews Johnathan E. Smith, Jordan M. Smith, Hannah J. Saperstein, and Reid A. Saperstein.

A respected supervisor at a calcining facility in Port Arthur, Texas, Clint was known for his deep knowledge and the pride he took in teaching others. A man of quiet intelligence and curiosity, he was rarely seen without a book in hand. He loved literature, hiking in the mountains, road trips with Mary Jo and Bob Dylan playing through the speakers, woodworking, crosswords, and trivia. His family lovingly called him their Professor of Literature. Steady and kind, he was the guiding compass of his family. He will be deeply missed and remembered every time a book is opened, a road stretches ahead, or a quiet moment invites reflection.