SOUTHPORT — Clinton Andrew Smith Lord, age 61, of Southport, NC, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Born August 2, 1963, to the late Paul and Ruth Smith of Smyrna, GA, he is survived by his daughters Kayla Lord of Wilmington, NC and Sarah Lord of Suwanee, GA; sister, Candy Lord; brother, David Paul Lord; and several nieces and nephews.
Clint proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1983 – 1987 and was stationed at Tybee Island, GA. He joined the Coast Guard Reserves in 1989 and was called to active duty for the Persian Gulf War, serving in Operation Desert Storm/Shield in Saudi Arabia. He returned from his deployment to USCG Chattanooga Reserve Unit until 1996.
Clint graduated from Campbell High School in Smyrna, GA; and Gwinnett Technical Institute in Lawrenceville, GA, where he majored in Distribution Management. He founded and grew a technology company, helping other small businesses with tech solutions .
He will be remembered for his heartfelt love for his daughters, his dogs Bailey and Gus, and for family and friends; and for his service and camaraderie with his fellow PSU303 Coastguardsmen. He will also be remembered by all who knew him for his hearty laugh, which was reflective of his love of life; his joyful, genuine laugh is a legacy he leaves behind.
A celebration of life, with family, was held in Wilmington, NC, on January 4, 2025. Clint’s cremains were buried at sea, with military honors, accompanied by the U.S. Coast Guard, on August 2, 2025, off the coast of Tybee Island, GA, with family in attendance. An inurning at Georgia National Cemetery, in Canton, GA will be scheduled for a later date.
