Clinton L. “Bucky” Smith Jr.
A great book once said that “the place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands and then work outward from there.” Clinton L. “Bucky” Smith Jr. lived his life in exactly that way. Quietly and thoughtfully with steady hands, he made the world better beginning with the people closest to him.
He was born in September 1956. It seems fitting that he arrived on a Sunday, as he lived with a quiet thoughtfulness that often felt like a moment of calm in stormy seas. 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 and many great adventures. Together they built a life full of road trips, long conversations, music, and the simple joy of being side by side.
He leaves behind four grateful daughters: C. Michelle Smith and her wife Krista Kovatch, Jennifer A. Smith, Nova A. Lynch, 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, which we are certain includes the heavenly melodies of a guitar.
Clint was preceded in death by his mother, “Grandmom” Joe Anne Smith, and is survived by his father, “Pop” Clinton L. Smith Sr., and his bonus mother, “Nanna” Vivian Smith. He leaves behind his brother Eric M. Smith, his sister Leigh Anne Saperstein, and her husband Phillip W. Saperstein. Along with nieces and nephews Johnathan E. Smith, Jordan M. Smith, Hannah J. Saperstein and Reid A. Saperstein. The list of names of family and friends who shared Clint’s life could fill so many more pages.
Clint had a long, successful career at a calcining facility in Port Arthur, Texas, where he was a respected supervisor known for his knowledge and the pride he took in teaching others about the craft. Through that work he helped produce the materials that quietly power industries around the world, while building the life and foundation that carried his family forward.
He was a man of quiet intelligence and deep curiosity. You rarely saw him without a book in hand. He loved literature, and through that love he passed along something priceless: he made others love books too. His vocabulary was impressive, his knowledge wide, and he carried this with humility and witty humor.
He loved hiking in the mountains and taking road trips with Mary Jo, with Bob Dylan playing through the speakers, coffee in a thermos, and the wind in their hair. He was a gifted woodworker who could transform discarded curbside scraps into beautiful treasures. He loved crosswords and trivia. We were all convinced he could win Jeopardy! though you would never hear him say so himself. We lovingly referred to him as our Professor of Literature.
Call him Clint. He was the steady captain of our family ship; our guiding compass drawn to life’s vast oceans, deep questions, and the wisdom he found between the lines of his books. When life grew loud, he remained steady. When others needed strength, he offered kindness. The world feels quieter without him in it.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered every time a book is opened; a road stretches out ahead, or a quiet moment calls for reflection.
As Shakespeare wrote, “Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
A celebration of his life will be held Monday, March 16 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen at First Presbyterian Church, Orange, Tx. First Presbyterian Church - Tx - Soup Kitchen