Wayne Clifton Smith

Wayne Clifton Smith, 81, passed into heaven on April 26, 2024 at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in Glendale, Arizona. His wife, daughter and son were at his side. Wayne was born on May 10, 1942 to Ernest C. and Mamie Smith. He lived in Yreka, California while growing up and attended Yreka High School, graduating with the class of 1960. He served in the 184th Infantry Regiment of the National Guard until 1959. He then served in the United States Marine Corps for four years, reaching the rank of Corporal with an honorable discharge in May 1964. After the Marine Corps, he attended and graduated from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon where he acquired his Bachelor of Science in Education and his Master of Science in Secondary Education Social Science, and proceeded to teach in various schools, including a ministry in churches and Christian High Schools and also taught in Chess Clubs. Wayne acquired his Ham Radio license 9/25/2003 and enjoyed communicating on the ham radio for many years. He initiated a Code Buddy Roster whereby he entered names of old and new ham radio communicators, helped them make connections on the ham radio if they wished to meet and greet and attend any sessions together. Upon his passing, a fellow ham radio operator, Howard, sent Wayne's family a note stating, "we have consolidated your dad's work into one of our classes on Sundays and named it after him, 'KN6EY Memorial Elmering Hour', an elmer in ham radio is a mentor". Hobbies included a sailboat whereby Wayne and Barbara sailed on the San Juan Islands. He was an accomplished water color painter. In retirement, Wayne and his wife traveled to most states in the U.S. in their 40' 5th wheel, spending 10 years on the road and enjoying every minute of their journeys. Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mamie Smith, two brothers, Everet and Ralph, a premature born son, Ronald, and a grandson, Chase. Wayne is survived by his wife, Barbara, a daughter, Kathy, a son, Mike, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters. Memorial services will be held at a later date near his home in Cottonwood, Arizona. A family memorial will be held at a later date at the burial site in Etna, California. Memorial contributions to a favorite charity of your choice are suggested.

Wayne Clifton Smith

May 10, 1942 - April 26, 2024