Ray John Smith, 83, son of Dewey John and Minnie (Jones) Smith, was born March 27, 1929, in Raymondville, Mo. He passed away March 22, 2013 in Springfield, Mo.
Ray grew up and attended school in Raymondville.
Ray was in the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean War.
He married Lenna Garrison on Nov. 18, 1950, in Hardy, Ark. They had two children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Bonnie Riley; a half sister Pauline Mullins; one brother, Leo Smith; and a half brother, Lefty Troutman.
He is survived by his wife, Lenna, of the home; two sons, Ricky of Fulton, Mo., and Michael of the home in Cassville; two grandchildren, Cynthia Bennett and husband, Josh, of Nixa, Mo., and Dr. Rebecca Smith of Richmond, Va; one great-grandchild, Brynlee Rose Bennett of Nixa, Mo.; one brother, Coy Smith of Union, Mo.; one sister, Edith McKinney of Houston, Mo.; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.
He worked for several shoes companies in the manufacturing area. As each one closed he moved on to another company. He began working for the International Shoe Company in Houston, Mo., spending 13 years there. He then moved to Cassville in 1964 to work for the Juvenile Shoe Company, the Jumping Jacks Shoe Company and finally he went work for Justin Boot Company and retired from there.
Ray was a member of the Raymondville Baptist Church. After moving to Cassville, he became a member of the Butterfield Baptist Church and was a serving as a deacon in the church. He was a dedicated member of his church and desired to serve His Lord faithfully.
He has now gone to be with the One he served and is able to enjoy all the beauties of heaven and to rest in the presence of his Heavenly Father.
Ray was a loving husband, father and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at Evans Funeral Home. Services were 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Evans Funeral Home. Burial was in Boone Creek Cemetery, Licking, Mo. Brother Robert Wiggs officiated with Pastor David Eaton assisting.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. To make online condolences, please visit www.evansfh.com.
Paid
