Our much beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, Raymond “Ray” LeRoy Smith, 88 1/2, of Abilene, KS passed away on April 17, 2021, at home, in the presence of family.
Raymond was born Oct. 7, 1932 in Athol, Smith County, Kansas. He was the third eldest of nine children born to David Andrew and Ruby Beatrice (Stice/Steiss) Smith. His family moved to Goodland, Kansas, where he and his father and brothers farmed on the Golden Ranch.
On Aug. 3. 1952, Raymond was joined in marriage, to Ina Belle Adams, of Goodland. He was quickly drafted during the Korean War, but was sent to France, for 3 years, without his new wife. They were married nearly 53 years, when she passed, in 2005.
Raymond’s career was spent serving his country in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9). He also served the U.S. Postal Service for 10 years, before retiring. He enjoyed time with family, watching TV and fixing cars.
Raymond is survived by his children, Bonita Garcia (Dennis) of Pueblo, CO; Marcía Cox of Abilene, KS; Cathleen Cooper (Robert) of Arley, Alabama; and Darryl (Cathy) Smith of Ocoee, FL; 10 grandchildren; brother, Eugene (Doris) Smith of Yuma, CO; sister, Florence (Dennis) Beals of Briggsdale, CO; several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Raymond LeRoy Smith, Jr.; brothers, Don, Paul, Art and Dean; sisters, Ruth Kibel and Helen Paramore; and his grandson, Marc Adam Robert Cox.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to BoysTown.com, or CalFaleysRanch.com, two of Raymond’s favorite charities, that benefit children.
Online condolences and information visit www.batemanfuneral.com.
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