Clifford Virgil Smith

Clifford graduated Newton High School in 1960. He worked at a service station and liked to tell people he was in the oil and gas business. He later worked as an exterminator before attending the DPS Academy. He graduated the academy October 6, 1967. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Houston area as a State Trooper.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Smith of Conroe, TX. Son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Keith and Rene` Smith of Iola, TX. Daughter and son-in-law Melisa and James Appleton of Conroe, TX. Grandsons Taylor Smith of Somerville, TX and Trace Hamlin of Conroe, TX, and granddaughter Jocelyn Mendez of Alexandria, VA. Also, two sisters Carolyn Neel of Beaumont, Texas and Mary Hershey and husband John of Manheim, Pa. Nephews, Charles Beatty of Orange, Texas, David Hershey of Harrisburg, Pa and Niece Susanne Hershey Materia of Harrisburg, Pa.

Clifford retired at the rank of Captain (Motor Vehicle Theft) with the Texas Department of Public Safety, after a little more than 31 years of service. Immediately upon retiring from DPS, Clifford went to work for LoJack as the Law Enforcement Liaison for the greater south Texas area. He loved his work and was well respected in the law enforcement community.

Known as “Poppy” to his grandkids, he loved to attend their sporting events, church and school functions. One of his favorite events was Grandparents’ Day.

He loved spending time at the south end of Toledo Bend Lake - whether it was fishing the coves, working in the yard of the lake house, or just sitting out on the back deck enjoying the birds and the breeze. He loved his dog, Sugar, and feeling the wind in his face while riding his Harley.

Visitation and memorial services will be held Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Spring Baptist Church, 633 East Louetta, Spring, TX 77373. Visitation will start at 12:00pm; Service will start at 2:00pm. Graveside service with DPS Honor Guard immediately following at Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family by signing the guest book.