William Clifford Smith, 92, of Duncan, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at his home. William was born January 28, 1934, in Hammond, Kentucky, to the late Burchell Smith and Maude Smith.
William was a devoted Christian who was saved in 1956 and later answered the call to ministry. He served as a pastor in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, faithfully sharing his love for the Lord throughout his life. He loved the Lord deeply and lived his life in faithful service to Him. He taught his children by example and was known for the sense of peace his presence brought to any room.
William was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Stallons Smith on March 23, 1953, and together they shared 66 years of marriage until her passing on July 13, 2019. William worked for many years as a truck driver for B & B Trucking. Earlier in life, he relocated to Detroit, Michigan, for work, where he began building his career and raising his family.
William was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family deeply. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, William was preceded in death by his sons-in-law, Jack Hinkle and Charles Tucker, brothers, Leonard Smith, James Smith, Paul Smith, Harold Smith, and B.R. Smith; and his sisters, Dorothy Messer and Doris Broughton. He is survived by his sons, David Smith of Duncan, South Carolina and John Smith of Roanoke, Virginia; his daughters, Pamela Hinkle of Duncan, South Carolina, and Rhonda Tucker of Burlington, Kentucky; his brothers, Aaron Smith and H.R. Smith; his sisters, Geneva Horner and Betty Miracle; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Smith family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home Friday, March 27, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour of 12:00 PM. Reverend Wayne Grace and Reverend Bud Simpson will conduct the funeral service. Interment will follow in the Henry Mills Cemetery at Hinkle, Knox County, Kentucky.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mr. Robin Reese, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mrs. Brenda Johnson, Ms. Quinlyn Chrisco and Mr. Steven Walker, express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of William Clifford Smith.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is entrusted with all arrangements and services in Kentucky for William Clifford Smith.
