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Clyde Ervin Smith Jr. "Butch"

Clyde Ervin Smith Jr. "Butch" passed away March 3rd 2018 at Oakland
Living Center. He is survived by his parents Clyde E. Smith Sr. and
Jean Smith, his wife Linda, two sons Clyde Ervin Smith III "Trae",
Brian Smith and his wife Jessica, also four grandchildren Peyton, CJ,
Colin and Coen Smith; one brother, Mike Smith and his wife Arlene of
Rutherfordton; two sisters, Sandra Norris and her Husband David of
Forest City and Lisa Moir and husband Ron of Morganton. He is
survived by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in
death by a sister Gail Smith Bumgarner. He is a Christian and loved
by all who knew him. He attended Oakland, Cool Springs and East
Rutherford High. He later graduated from Appalachian State
University. He was active in many sports having set a state record in
pole vaulting while in high school. He began working as an athletic
director in Rutherford County. He later became town manager of
Columbus for 7 years and then was town manager of Landrum S.C. From
there he became manager of Cleveland County Water District and served
there for 18 years from 1996 retiring in 2014. Butch had many talents
and one was being able to bring a town/business from a debt to having
surplus and has done so with minimal tax increase. Butch was
appointed by the N.C. General Assembly to serve on the N.C. Department
of Environment and Natural Resources in 2013 and served until his
passing. Butch was also honored by having a reservoir named after
him, the Clyde E. "Butch" Smith off-stream holding reservoir at the
Cleveland County water plant.
Butch could relate to anyone; he could discuss budget constraints and
bonds with commission members, how best to grow potatoes and greens,
and any other of a thousand subjects. In his own words, he was "an
educated redneck." He was well respected by colleagues, and gained a
reputation for being efficient and tough. Despite his tough exterior
and sometimes cutting humor, his ultimate effect in life was to bring
people together.
If Butch wasn't working, he was most likely spending time with family
and friends at his farm in Polk County. His land was frequently abuzz
with the sound of kids playing and adults talking as Butch grilled.
He led a full life, constantly surrounded by people who were happy to
be in the presence of such an interesting and funny individual. More
so than any accolade, most will remember Butch for the way he made
people feel at home. He told jokes, he fed all who came to his
property, and he made his own way in life. His life and impact will
be felt for generations to come. His deeds carved a foundation upon
which his descendants could flourish.
Funeral services will be held 1 PM Thursday, March 8, 2018 at
Crestview Baptist Church, 630 South Church Street, Forest City NC with
visitation from 11 AM until 1 PM. Interment will be at Eternal Hills
Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com. Crowe's
Mortuary is assisting the family of Butch Smith.


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