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Dr. Clay T. Smith, a longtime resident of Socorro, NM and a 40 year professor of Geology at New Mexico Tech, passed away early Monday, November 10, 2003. He was 86. Dr. Smith was born in Omaha, NE on June 30, 1917 and moved with his family to California in 1922. He attended the California Institute of Technology where he earned his Ph.D. in June 1943. In 1947, Dr. Smith began his career at New Mexico School of Mines as Assistant Professor of Engineering and Acting Head of the Department of Engineering. He held various positions at the college, including Head of the Department of Geology, Dean of Students and Director of Admissions, eventually retiring as Professor Emeritus of Geology in 1987. Always active in community affairs, Clay was a charter member of the Socorro Lions Club, (for which he served as secretary and two time president). He was heavily involved in the Socorro First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Ruling Elder, member of the Session, Deacon, and frequent soloist in the choir. Additionally, Clay was Treasurer for the Friends of the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Reserve. Clay's lifelong love of athletics led him to a position as a graduate assistant in the Physical Education Department at Caltech during his graduate student years. He was assistant coach of Caltech's freshman football and track teams in 1938-39 and head coach of these teams in 1939-40 and 1942-43. In New Mexico athletics, Clay served as an official for high school football and basketball from his arrival in 1947 until his retirement in 1987. This 40-year commitment to athletics in the state resulted in his induction into the the New Mexico Official Association's Hall of Fame in July 1989. Dr. Smith was instrumental in expanding the study of Geology and other earth sciences throughout New Mexico, Primarily through his work with the State Science and Engineering Fair (for which he served as Director twice), and Visiting Professor programs. He participated in several education television productions with Dr. George Fishbeck and KNME TV in Albuquerque and also served as General Chairman of the International Science and Engineering Fair held in Albuquerque in 1983, which hosted exhibitors from around the world. Following his retirement from full-time teaching in 1987, Clay continued his professional career through consultation services. He served as a Lecturer in Physical Geology for the University of Maryland's Malaysian Campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and provided expert services on a number of projects in the Southwest and Peru. For the last 13 years, Clay served as the Regional Director of Alumni Relations for Caltech, covering the western states. Professionally, Dr. Smith was a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists, an honorary member of the New Mexico Geological Society, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. He was a charter/emeritus member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, a life member of the New Mexico Academy of Science and a member of Sigma Xi, New Mexico Chapter. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sallie (Austin); sons, Dean and wife, Pat of Upland, CA and Stan and wife, Sheri of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; four grandchildren, Kirsten Stephen of Houston, TX, Derek Smith of Kansas City, MO, Caitlin and McKenna Ulrich-Smith of Rancho Palos Verdes. Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at Massey Center on the New Mexico Tech Campus. Those wishing to remember Clay are invited to donate to the Friends of the Bosque Del Apache. New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair, Socorro First Presbyterian Church or the Caltech Alumi Fund. Interment will be at Pacific View Memorial Park in Costa Mesa, CA. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Steadman-Hall Funeral Home, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM.
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