Clarence Melton “Bob” Smith, Jr., 86, of Lawrenceburg, TN, passed away on January 9, 2026, at NHC Healthcare Scott in Lawrenceburg. Born on June 16, 1939, Clarence was a graduate of Loretto High School and Florence State. He served in the U.S. Air Force and married Betty Benson in 1983. Clarence was an active member of Leoma Baptist Church and enjoyed traveling and serving in the church and D.A.V.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Benson Smith, siblings, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, special cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends at Neal Funeral Home on January 11, 2026, and funeral services will be held on January 12, 2026, with interment at John Lay Cemetery with full military honors.
Clarence will be remembered for his love of meeting people, sharing stories, and his dedication to his church and community. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The Crockett Chronicle editorial team provides accurate, fact-checked reporting on local government, education, public safety, and community events across Lawrence County and surrounding areas. Our reporting follows strict editorial standards, relying on verified sources, public records, and first-hand reporting when possible. We are committed to delivering reliable information to our community while upholding transparency and accountability in every article.
Contact: [email protected] About the team: About Crockett Chronicle
Source Information
This article is based on information from public agencies, official statements, and verified public sources.
Editorial Note
This article was compiled using publicly available information and reviewed for accuracy prior to publication.
Corrections
If you notice an error in this article, please contact the newsroom at [email protected]. Corrections are published at the bottom of articles when needed.