Clayton Ward Smith

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It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Clayton Ward Smith. Clayton, 37 was called home Monday, January 24, 2022.

Clay was born on June 23, 1984 in Midland, Texas. As part of his successful academic career Clay graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, before going on to pursue his Associates Degree in Applied Science with a focus of Automotive Technology.  It was the summer of 2006 that Clay joined the Halliburton Team where he began his professional career and proudly served for 16 years.

During the years of his academic accomplishments, Clay gained the nickname Smitty. He played linebacker, excelled in shop class and quickly became known for his wit and personality. And although he settled into school well, it didn’t start off that way. One of the ongoing memories shared about Clay was his first day of kindergarten. He cried, kicked and screamed like a baby. We have laughed as a family for years about his behavior. It’s been in the recent days that his kindergarten teacher reached out with her condolences and shared her perspective of that first day. “ I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  I was Clayton’s kindergarten teacher.  He was the sweetest little boy. He was in my afternoon class the first year I taught.  He was at the end of the line to meet me and was crying his little heart out.  He didn’t want to say goodbye to his mom. After we got class started he was OK. At recess I said I had forgotten to buy a recess whistle.  He heard me and went home saying he needed to get me one.  He showed up the next day with a whistle he had bought for me.  I used that whistle my whole teaching career! I always said the little boys who cried the most on the first day of school were the sweetest because they loved their family so much.  He was such a sweetheart and I always remembered him.” And she was right, they are the sweetest because they love their family so much. We have always known and felt that from Clay. Her story proves his compassion to put aside his own needs and be of help to others has always been who he was.

Clay was also a master mind. An amazing mechanic and engineer. He could take apart just about anything and rebuilt it even better. He wasn’t a man of one hobby, he always stretched himself into proving he could accomplish more. From rebuilding muscle cars, to photography, to welding anything that you could imagine, perfecting his skills as a BBQ pit master and so much more. Pretty soon there wasn’t anything we didn’t believe Clay could do. He had amazing gifts & talents.

At the age of 27 Clay fell sick and developed an ear infection. It was that infection that would cause him the greatest battle of his life. He would spend the next 5 years in and out of hospitals for weeks and months until he received the ultimate gift, a new heart. He was so grateful for the second chance at life. He was so grateful for the amazing doctors and nurses at UT Southwestern and their dedicated care. He was so grateful to his wife, Jennifer for whom vowed to love and honor through sickness and in health. Clay was a survivor and, after his transplant in 2017, he made a commitment to be forever grateful. His perspective changed and his endless pursuit through all the pain lead to a beauty about his circumstances that inspired many people by the incredible joy he felt for life. He went on to discover a love for nature and became an adventurer through travel. The many places he visited was a reminder that life is fleeting, and we are all living amongst something much bigger than our own flesh and self.

We are so grateful God blessed us with 5 more years with Clay. In our hearts we believe that Death isn’t the end of life, it’s apart of life. It is an invitation to eternal life. There isn’t a finish line. The space between Clay and the rest of us who loved him will always be bridged in the fond memories he left us with. All the wonderful laughs he gave us through his amazing humor. Although Clay may not be living with us, he will always be living through us. We will carry him with us always and forever. Clay didn’t deserve death, but he certainly deserves heaven. He would want to remind you to stay aware of your blessings and to never take anything for granted. To love and be loved with all you have. Until we meet again, Stay forever grateful.

Clay is survived by his wife, Jennifer Smith, parents Rodney & Cindy Smith, siblings Mandy & Shaun Pearcy & Stephanie & Jason Womack, nieces Emma Pearcy & Danika Womack, memaw Charlene Felton, and many aunts, uncles & cousins.

Clay is preceded in death by his grandparents Billie & Tom Nietert, Peepaw Bill Smith, nephew Camron Haro and cousin Dakota Busbee.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards the UT Southwestern Heart Transplant team led by Dr. Mark Drazner and his care coordinator Kathy Weber. We are all forever grateful for them.

In Clay’s honor, should you feel led to make a donation, please consider the Southwest Transplant Alliance Foundation or UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm, Friday February 4^th at the Branch at NPW. A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm, Saturday February 5^th at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.