Clarence Melton “Bob” Smith, Jr.

Clarence Melton “Bob” Smith, Jr., age 86, of Lawrenceburg, TN passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at NHC Healthcare Scott in Lawrenceburg, TN. Clarence was born on June 16, 1939 in Lawrence County, TN. He was a 1957 graduate of Loretto High School, then graduated from Florence State with a B.S. degree in Science. Clarence then entered the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed in Duluth, Minnesota and Alaska. These tours were a very memorable four years of his life.

After a “short” courtship of twelve years, he married his sweetheart, Betty Benson on February 12, 1983 and they began an almost forty-three-year life together in their Lawrenceburg home. During these years, they enjoyed traveling to Michigan, Canada, and England, serving in church, and as active members of D.A.V. Clarence was a member of the Leoma Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, taught a Sunday School class, and was a member of the choir.

One of Clarence’s greatest joys through his last season of life was meeting people and making friends. He enjoyed sharing stories and humor with all he met.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Melton Smith, Sr., and Beatrice Marable Smith; one sister Dene Mashburn; and one brother, Dwight Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Benson Smith of Lawrenceburg, TN; two brothers, Stanley Smith (Velda) of OK and Ralph Smith of Columbia, TN; two sisters, Okie Stout Johnson and Gwynn Ware, both of Lawrenceburg, TN;  brother-in-law, Charles Mashburn; nephews, Kent Smith, Craig Smith, Chuck Mashburn, Greg Mashburn, Bret Stout, Eric Stout, Kevin Smith and Keith Smith; nieces, Debbie Ezell, Carol Davis, and Dena Mashburn; many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, special cousins, and friends.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Summit of Lawrenceburg for their special care as well as the staff of NHC Scott and Springview Compassionate Care- Sheila, Gail, Belinda, Ruby, Hal, Diann, and Faye for their attention to our loved one.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Monday, January 12, 2026, with David Simmerman and Randy Myers officiating. Interment will follow at John Lay Cemetery in Ethridge, TN with full military honors. The family suggests memorials be made to the Leoma Baptist Church Building Fund. Condolences may be sent by way of our website at www.nealfuneralhome.net.