Clyde Dwayn Smith was born September 14, 1939, in Effingham, IL. He passed away peacefully in Kingsville, Tx, on September 16, 2026.

Buddy was the oldest of four children, born to Clyde Vincent and Faye Perring Smith. He graduated from high school in Pampa, Tx. It was there in Pampa that he met and married Genieve Townsend.

Buddy enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany. He and Genieve both remembered this time fondly. He was a long-term member of the Church of Christ and remained in contact with some of the members from Germany for the rest of his life. After his time in the service, they had a one daughter born in Temple, TX, Becky. The young family lived briefly in Lawton Ok, where Rhonda was born. They relocated to southern IL and lived for serval years in the community of Mt. Zion. It was during this time Steven and Daniel joined the family.

Buddy was known for his beautiful garden. While living in IL, Buddy enjoyed family trips camping and canoeing. He also enjoyed motorcycles and Volkswagens. Driving them, loving them, and collecting a few. He had a lifelong passion for photography and enjoyed processing his own pictures.

In 1979, the family relocated to Kleberg County. He built their home in Ricardo and took pride in maintaining the property. Around town, Buddy was known for his handyman skills. He had an eclectic love for music and rarely worked without singing along with his radio.

Proceeding him in death are his son, Steven D. Smith; and parents, Clyde and Faye Smith.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Genieve Smith; children, Rebecca Preckwinkle (Tomie) of Riviera, TX., Rhonda Smithson (Doug) of Gainesville, TX, Daniel Smith of Kingsville, TX.; brothers, Robert Smith (Constanette) of Albuquerque, NM, Stanley Smith of Peyton, TX; sister, Nancy Antrim (Lon) of Effingham, IL; grandchildren, Elizabeth Smith Moore (Jacob) of Gainesville, TX, Lynette Smith of Gainesville, TX, Caden Smith of Gainesville, TX., Justin Smithson of Denton, TX, Alyssa Smithson Daniels (Dereck) of San Antonio, TX, Logan Smithson of Gainesville, TX, Laurel Fine of Denton, TX, and Allen Fine of Seattle, WA; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Military service for Clyde Dwayn Smith will be Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Coastal Bend State Veteran Cemetery of Corpus Christi, TX. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Kingsville, TX, which will be held at the Church of Christ.