Clifford "Tip" Smith

Clifford “Tip” Smith of Plymouth, passed away February 4, 2017, at the age of 102. He was born on August 9, 1914, to Glenn and Luree (nee Weeks) Smith. Tip is survived by his loving children Lary (Barbara) Smith, and Janellen (the late Michael) Evans, his dear grandchildren Lisa (Orie Kristel) Evans, and Laura (Mark) Schlader, and his precious great grandchildren Orion, Katherine, Henry and Peter. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Tip was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, both of his parents and, his sister, Vivien.

Clifford was born and raised in Plymouth, Michigan where he lived his entire life. He was an outdoors person who enjoyed the sports of archery, hunting and fishing and earned many trophies.

When Clifford was a young boy, his father was the local newspaper distribution manager so, Clifford got his start in business delivering with his wagon the Detroit Free Press in the morning and both the Detroit News and the Detroit Times in the afternoon. His father had a restaurant on Main Street where Clifford worked many years. Later, he worked at Dunn Steel Products and eventually became their comptroller.

He graduated from what is now MSU with a degree in accounting. One semester, he spent at what is now known as Western Michigan University where he met his future wife on a blind date. They were married on her father’s farm in western Michigan.

He loved to travel: first to his father’s cottage in western Michigan and then further afield to Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Australia, Scotland and Ireland. He became a member of the Plymouth Rock Masonic Lodge (Freemasonry) in 1938 and was active there for many years. He served as an appointed State-wide Grand Steward.

He loved his family and most people with whom he came in contact. He was a kind, caring, generous man.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 7, from 4-9pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main Street, Plymouth 48170 with a Masonic Service at 7pm. His Funeral Service will be Wednesday, February 8, at 11am at the funeral home. Family and friends may begin visiting at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.