Clyde Harlan Smythers, Jr.

December 10, 1949 - August 12, 2014

Clyde H. Smythers, Jr. of Blacksburg passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2014. He was born in Danville, VA on December 10, 1949, grew up in Floyd, VA, and graduated from Floyd County High School in 1968. He attended VA Tech and earned a BA degree in 1972. He was a devoted family member and his survivors include his wife of 41 years, Becky of Blacksburg, daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Jeff Naiman and grandson, Ryan; mother and step-father, Nelva and Calvin Gardner of Floyd; two step-brothers, Tommy Gardner of Floyd and Gerry Gardner of Fishersville; special aunt and Uncle Betty and Bob Hower of Lewes, Delaware, father-in-law, John West of Roanoke, and many cousins and in-laws. Clyde worked for four banks during his long career and was currently employed as a commercial loan officer with Carter Bank and Trust in Christiansburg, VA. He leaves behind a myriad of current and past customers who appreciated his cordial, personality and strong work ethic. Clyde was a member of the Blacksburg Rotary Club, where he served on various committees and positions. Clyde had many interests, especially sports. He was a loyal Hokie fan and enjoyed attending all athletic events, but especially football and basketball. Clyde was a faithful member of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher captain. He also coached and played on the church softball league in both the summer and Fall seasons. A visitation will be held Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd, Virginia. The funeral will be Saturday at 2:00 at Blacksburg United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Carson officiating. An interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery in Floyd, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Blacksburg United Methodist Church or the American Stroke Association. Online condolences can be made at gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.. Arrangements are being handled by Gardner Funeral Home , Floyd, VA., (540) 745-2007.

I remember Clyde as a kind and thoughtful person. He cared about others. He will certainly be missed.

Becky and Family,I send you my heartfelt prayers. Clyde was such an incredible person. It was an honor to know him and work with him. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Becky, words can not express our sadness over Clyde's passing. You and your family are in our prayers.

Dear Becky, Erin, and Ryan< I'm saddened by your and our loss.. Clyde has been our friend and brother for 23 years. His care for us in the business area made it apparent he cared about people as his customer and that made it a pleasure being with him. I think there was one person that wanted to win church softball games as much as I did and it was Clyde! Our sincerest condolences, Clyde will be widely missed, Sincerely, Don & Claire

Becky, Erin and family....My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time. May God hold you in his arm's to give you comfort in Clyde's passing. You are in my thought's and prayer's.

Dear Erin and family, you are so loved and your friends here are praying for you and your loved ones. That you will be comforted by the promise of eternal families and know that your Dad is watching over you and yours. Love and prayers, Loni

You have our sympathy. Clyde was a great example for all of us (Class of '68)

I have worked with Clyde on various projects in Blacksburg and found him to be dedicated and knowledgeable. He was always friendly and courteous with a winning smile. He was always ready to discuses his analysis of the various sports programs. He left this earth plane way too soon and will be missed. My condolences to his family. Jeanne Stosser Blacksburg, Virginia

What I great friend in Clyde. I came to know him best via church softball which he loved so much. Always a leader and a gentleman. My prayers are with the family. I miss he greatly. Ed Kirkman

Clyde was our loan officer for several loans at Blue Ridge Bank, and was one of the friendliest and most professional businesspeople I have worked with in the region. He was a pleasure to deal with and will definitely be missed in the New River Valley.

I have been thinking of your entire family. I have only known Clyde for a short period of time but he was always a pleasure to be around. I work at CB&T and have been in meetings with him. He was well liked and respected among his colleagues. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will deeply miss him.

Becky, you and the family are in my prayers. Clyde was a great friend and a fine man. I regret we had not been in touch but I have many fond memories from growing up together. May the peace of God's love be with you

Thoughts and prayers to Becky and family on their loss. Clyde was a "Salt of the Earth" human...I am grateful that I got to know and work with him....he will be missed.

Dear Becky and family, Paul and I were so saddened to learn of Clyde's sudden passing. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time. We have thought of you all fondly many times over the years. Sincerely, Paul and Martha Monaghan

I'm so sorry to learn of Clyde's passing. Clyde and I attended Sunday School and youth activities at Topeco Church of the Brethren during high school days. Prayers

We were all saddened to learn of Clyde's untimely passing. I first met Clyde in the 1960s when we served in the Army Reserves together and renewed the friendship during weekly Rotary club meetings over the past 20 years. His warm personality, sense of humor and enjoyable conversations will be missed. Our thoughts are for his family and associates. John

Dear Becky, Erin, and Family, We were so saddened to hear of Clyde's passing. We have so many great memories with Clyde of church league softball and other activities. It is such a tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Jim and Carolyn Shockley

Becky and family, Clyde was a special person and I am blessed to have worked with him. You are in my prayers.

Becky and Erin, I am so sorry to read of Clyde's death. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today. I will always remember what a loving and supportive family you were, and how much I loved teaching Erin and working with you at BMS. May God bless your family and give you strength during these difficult days ahead.

Becky, Your family is in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. I had the opportunity to work with Clyde at CB&T for two years. We went to VT basketball games together and played on the church softball team. Clyde was not just a regular ole co-worker; he was a great friend, a comedian, a teacher, a leader, a mentor, someone that I aspired to be like. If I am half the man he was, I will be doing something right. Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

To Clyde's family and friends I send you my deepest sympathy's on his passing. I saw him in December and he told me 2 more years and he would retire. He seemed so happy. I had the pleasure of working with him for about 7 years and he was always a joy. He was full of laughter and he greeted everyone with a smile. Treasure the good times and hold on to them as you deal with your grief. Take comfort in knowing that he touched peoples lives and he is now with his Heavenly Father.

Clyde will be greatly missed by his clients and the staff of Carter Bank & Trust. I have been in meetings with him and professionalism was top of his list. He was certainly a dedicated man and truly enjoyed working with his customers. Prayers for your family.

Becky and family, Robyn and I are so sorry for your tremendous loss. I'm thankful for the opportunity that I had to reconnect with you and Clyde at our high school reunion last year, but at the same time I'm now regretting that I didn't work to maintain that connection. Clyde was a good friend, a kind man, and I am privileged to have known him. May God bless and comfort you through this difficult time.

Becky, Sue and I are praying for you and your family having just learned about Clyde. Clyde was one of my first colleagues in banking and a great friend. He will be greatly missed in our community. Jim and Sue McAlister

Erin & Family, We were so sorry to hear about your Father passing away. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. May God bless you & your family in this most difficult time. Rose & Dave Egnacheski

I am saddened to learn of Clyde's passing. I worked for Clyde for a couple of years at First National Exchange Bank, Riverjack branch. I enjoyed working with him and the rest of the staff. I found him to be thoughtful and supportive. The office was like a little family and I look back on that time with fondness.

Becky, We were saddened to hear of Clyde's passing. He was always one of the good guys. I have happy memories of growing up playing ball together - Clyde was always easy to be with and so genuine. We are thinking of you and your family and wish you solace in the cherished moments of his memory.

Clyde was such a good man. We will miss him. His family is in our prayers.