Clinton Charles Smithson, Sr., 82, of Dimmitt, Texas, passed away on July 19, 2023, surrounded by his family in Tyler, Texas. Clinton, fondly known as “Tooter,” a name bestowed upon him by his mother–”her ‘ring-tailed tooter’,” was born to Ben Smithson and Maude McCoy on February 9, 1941, at home in Dimmitt, Texas. A talented athlete, Tooter loved playing basketball in school. After graduation, he went to California and became a state trooper and a boxer. He loved to drive all his life, but nothing beat the thrill of being one of the first drivers of a Ford Police Interceptor. Clinton married his beloved wife, Linda Louis Pearson, sixty years ago on July 14, 1963. He then farmed family land in Herford, TX. Tooter went on to sell many cars for Dave Gray and then became the first to sell a million dollars at Snapper Equipment. After becoming the proud owner of Centerville Lawnmower and Cycle, he successfully retired from Rotary Corp with thirty-five years. A prominent Mason with Garland Lodge No. 441 and an armed deacon for the Orchard Hills Baptist Church, Tooter was a leader in his community known for his service and dedication to safety.
He leaves behind a legacy of being a man of his word, a handshake, and did what he said he would do. Clinton was a generous man that would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He loved his family and friends dearly. Clinton’s legacy of moral integrity, honor, accountability, courage and hard work will continue to live on in those he left behind.
Tooter fought diligently for his health over the last decade. Despite spending much time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his journey, he kept everyone’s mood elevated with jokes and light-hearted pranks that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren won’t soon forget. His ability to shift the energy in a room, typically to a humorous tone, will forever be missed.
Tooter held many titles in his life, from peace officer, farmer, traveling salesman to entrepreneur, but his favorite role was being a father and grandfather. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family. Seeing his family grow was one of Tooter’s greatest pleasures.
Surviving Clinton are his wife, Linda Smithson, and children, Tim and Renae Smithson, Clinton Smithson, Jr, and Dede Belz; his grandchildren, Nicci Blair Arnold, Colt and Keri Smithson, Tanner Smithson, and great-grandchildren, Davallen, Kinley, Dylan’Rae, and Cutler. Also surviving are his brother, Donald Gene, and Sandy Smithson, and many dear extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Maude Smithson; brothers, Edward Smithson, Howard Smithson, Wayne Smithson, Donald Shelton, Rayphard Smithson; as well as sisters, Dovie McGuire, Wilda Neuman, and Maureen Matthews.
Tooter’s family will host a celebration of life on August 19,2023 at 10AM. The service will be at Lakeview Community Church in Tyler, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the purchase of the Pecan Tree he will be buried under, as this was his wish.