Craig Scott Smith Craig Scott Smith passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 6, 2015. He was 52 years old. Born in November of 1962 in Des Moines, Iowa, Craig lived many places, including Taiwan, Germany, Virginia, and Maryland before coming to Central Florida in 1976. Needless to say, he witnessed huge changes as Clermont grew from a small town surrounded by orange groves to the bustling city it is today. Craig sometimes talked of moving, but Clermont was his home, and he would not have had it any other way. When his parents, Sam and Carol Smith, moved the family to Minneola from Rockville, Maryland, Craig was in the 8th grade. He finished middle school at Clermont Junior High School and graduated from Clermont High School in 1980. After that, he joined the Air Force and served his country 4 years with an honorable discharge. While in the Air Force he was stationed primarily at Fort Walton Beach, FL. When his tour of duty was completed, he returned to central Florida. He began his college education in the Air Force and continued after his discharge. In the 1986/1987 school year, he attended The Florida State University. Thus began his love for Seminole football that lasted throughout his life. Go Noles. He returned to Central Florida and eventually completed his BA in Finance by taking classes at Lake Sumter Community College and University of Central Florida. Obtaining this degree demonstrates Craig's perseverance because a great deal happened in this time of his life. He married in 1987, and they became the proud parents of their devoted daughter, Brittany Elaine. While working full-time, helping to support his family, he studied tirelessly to complete his Finance degree at UCF. He did not complain about it; he did not make a big deal about this accomplishment, but it was a big deal and speaks volumes about his motivation and ability to push through challenging times. Although he had earned his BA, he maintained his interest in woodworking and kept at it through his whole working life. He was a skilled cabinet-maker and installer and ran his own successful cabinet installation business for several years. In addition to woodworking and education, another emphasis in Craig's life was family. He enjoyed the company of his daughter and delighted in the births of his grandchildren (Hailee in 2009 and Samuel in 2012). He was a loving grandfather and appreciated the time he was able to spend with them. He was a devoted father, son, brother, friend, and grandfather as well as a lifelong sports fanatic (Seminoles, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Orioles, Cubs, and the list goes on), avid baseball card collector, business owner, long-time Clermont resident, keeper and conveyor of strong opinions and walking sports almanac. His quick wit and insightful commentary on many things under this sun will be missed. He is survived by his daughter, Brittany Elaine Waters, son-in-law Jason, two grandchildren, Hailee Elaine and Samuel Scott, and brother, Todd Smith.



The Memorial Service for Carig Smith will be held 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in the Becker Chapel. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Mike Conley Hospice House. BECKER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 806 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont, FL 34711. Telephone 352-394-7121. (beckerfamilyfuneral.com)