Clayton Arthur Smith (Sonny), Age 62, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 4, 2016 in the arms of his loving wife Debra Smith (Coleman). He was born June 10, 1954 in Wayne County, Detroit to parents Clayton Charles Smith and Ruth Ann Smith (Zisler).
Clayton grew up in the Traverse City area and attended Traverse City High School. He was the youngest of 6 children. He was fiercely protective of his 4 older sisters. He had many beloved memories of his time with his siblings, even when they gave him a hard time or picked on him, he loved being with them. The Smith family spent their best times together camping and being outdoors.
Clayton left home at the age of 15. He pursued his GED and began working in local restaurants. He discovered the joy of cooking that later lead to many popular dishes he served over the years. He loved comfort foods and had a sweet tooth. His favorites were Reese's peanut butter cups and chocolate ice cream. He also had an infinite love of coffee. He loved to drink it all hours of the day, and the sweeter, the better.
Clayton had four children with his first wife Janice Mackey (Bauman). He wanted a large family of 16 kids like in the Ma & Pa Kettle movies he watched growing up. Thankfully, he was only blessed with the four. He later agreed that 16 would have been impossible to manage. In later years, Clayton was blessed with 8 grandchildren. He was a proud grandparent and loved his visits with all of them.
Other activities Clayton enjoyed were art, football, and music. He loved the Detroit Lions and was a loyal fan till the end. He grew up on 1960's rock & roll. He often boasted about sneaking a transistor radio under his pillow at night to listen to his favorite bands. This was something his father didn't approve of. If you didn't know Clayton was a Beatlemaniac, then you didn't know Clayton. He loved all things related to the Beatles. Other bands he enjoyed were the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, the Guess Who, the Beach Boys, and countless others.
Clayton touched the lives of many people during his lifetime. He was a rebellious young man who grew into a peaceful and loving individual. He leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Debra Smith (Coleman), his children Jessie smith, Julia (Erick) Darrow, Clayton (Lynn) Smith, all of Traverse City; his stepdaughter Tammy Coleman of Kewadin, and eight grandchildren, Logan, Jacob, Noah Pawloski, Korbin Johnson, Aiden, Evelyn Darrow, & Braeden, Elliana Smith. Also surviving is his sister Ruth Ann Stibitz (Smith) of Traverse City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sisters; Dorothy Lyon, Beverly Massey, Diane Bailey, and his beloved son Ryan Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday August 11, 2016 at 5pm at Pine Grove Church of God in Traverse City. Attendees are asked to wear their favorite t-shirt and jeans, and to bring a photo or memory to share.