Ray Smith, age 90, resident of Willard, Ohio passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Mercy Hospital of Willard. He was born on May 5, 1934 in Knott County, Kentucky to the late Sam Smith and Ida (Slone) Smith Hall.
Ray worked for 17 years at Pioneer Rubber Company in Willard before stepping out into the construction world. He worked alongside Gerald Lillo and eventually by himself as a custom home builder. His wood working skills didn’t stop at home building as he was also known for his unique canes and cigar box banjo’s.
A favorite hobby of Ray’s was antique cars. He loved collecting them and attending car shows. When he wasn’t working on his cars, he also enjoyed gardening.
Ray is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Tammy Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Jim Funk; grandson, Benjamin Funk (Chelsea Robinson); granddaughter, Shelby Smith (fiancé, Kent Barnett); sister, Mabel (John) Weiss; brother, Edd (Connie) Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby (Gayheart) Smith who passed away on July 1, 2005; and siblings, Howard Smith, Nick Smith, Monnie Ousley, Lissie Motl, Clella Vanichek, Sandra Weiss, Wanda Yenni and Ida Gene Smith.
Ray’s family would like to offer a special thank you Ray’s neighbors, Tiger and the late Susan Maudsley and Jim and Linda Pennybaker for their many years of loyalty and friendship shown to Ray and his family. Another special thank you would like to be shown to Ray’s special caregivers, Denise Shaub, Nancy Patten, Nickie and Averi Robinson, Shirley Salyer and Barb Gerber of Helping Hands. The care and compassion shown to Ray and his family is something that will never be forgotten.
Family and friends may visit at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Ray’s funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Danny Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be left for Ray’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Al Velker - Jan 13, 2025
I am so sorry to learn of Ray’s passing today. I am sorry I missed the services and want to extend my condolences to the family. I just got to know Ray a few years ago and enjoyed the time we did spend together mostly talking cars. I also know he had many other interest and talents and enjoyed sharing those with you as well. I know he will be missed by many. Al Velker
John and Audrey - Jan 8, 2025
Dear Family, We were so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing him at the car shows. Such a great guy. May your hearts and minds be flooded with wonderful memories of your time spent with Ray. Prayers being lifted for the family.
Kathleen McNeal - Jan 8, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
Janet Songer - Jan 7, 2025
To Ray's Family, So very sorry to read of Ray's passing. He built our first home in 1976 on Boughtonville Road, and my husband Gene and I always enjoyed talking to him when we would run into him in town. He was such a a nice guy. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Betty Watts - Jan 7, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Ray was a special person and was loved by all our family. Prayers for peace and comfort for all the family!
Mary and Roger Harmon - Jan 6, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Not only was he a relative but he was a friend. Did numerous jobs at our house. He will be missed by many.
Deb - Jan 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss; Ray replaced the windows in our first house. Have known him since; very kind and caring. In my prayers
Ken Courtright - Jan 6, 2025
I am sorry to hear this!! I visited Ray frequently at the Willows. To Ken an all the family; my condolences to all. He will be missed dearly!!
David & Jeanne Carmean - Jan 6, 2025
We are so very sorry for the loss of Ray. He was truly a gentleman. He will be missed. May his soul through the mercy of God rest in peace🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jeff Penwell - Jan 6, 2025
So sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed talking with Ray. What a great guy and he will be miss by many.
Laura Penwell - Jan 5, 2025
Kenny, Tammy, Shelby and the rest of the Smith family. So sorry for your loss. My Sympathy is with you at this difficult time.
Trish Palmer Tarr - Jan 5, 2025
So sorry to hear this. My sympathies to you all.
Abe and Donna Weaver - Jan 5, 2025
To the family we are sorry for your loss. We knew Ray from him coming in the lumber company and drugstore and enjoyed the canes he crafted. He always had a smile on his face. We enjoyed talking to him. You all in our prayers. May he RIP.
Brenda Schuller-Daniel - Jan 5, 2025
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers surround all of the family. Ray left behind a legacy of friendship and care. I am also blessed to be residing in one of the tangible legacies that he left, a home that he built back in the 1990s. He definitely enriched the community and the lives of everyone that he encountered.
Brian and Linda Prater - Jan 4, 2025
Dear Family. My heart is sad. He was such a good man He built our house in the 90’s and still living in it! So happy to be one of his friends. Rest in peace Ray, Prayers lifted
Joanne & Chuck - Jan 4, 2025
We are so sorry to learn of Ray’s passing. He was a regular at our store (Main Street Carry Out). He was a big help to us and was affectionately known as ‘Uncle Ray’. He will be sorely missed. RIP dear friend.
Kathy from Mercy - Jan 4, 2025
I’m so sorry for you loss , Ray was a pleasure to talk to.Always showing me the different canes he made he will be missed thoughts and prayers
Kathy from Mercy - Jan 4, 2025
I’m so sorry for you loss , Ray was a pleasure to talk to.Always showing me the different canes he made he will be missed thoughts and prayers
Ron and Cheryl Kessler - Jan 4, 2025
Judy, Kenny and families. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the passing of Ray. We have many great memories of time spent with Ray and Ruby. We always enjoyed when we would run into Ray and spend a few minutes talking May he rest in peace.
Velma - Jan 4, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss, Judy and Kenny. He was the best brother in law I could have ever have asked for. I will miss him and cherish all my memories of him.
Barb Risner - Jan 4, 2025
I am sorry to hear this and my condolences to the family. He was always nice to talk too.
Karen Bedingfield - Jan 4, 2025
Sorry for the loss of Ray! Remembering the West Avenue days! Ray was a great man and did many home remodeling jobs for us over the years. Very talented. Prayers for Judy, Kenny and family.
Pamela Jones Johnson - Jan 4, 2025
Prayers and condolences from the Fred Jones and Luna Smith Jones Family. (daughter of James Smith and Maggie Bolen Smith of Softshell) I am Luna's granddaughter. Prayers and condolences to all family and friends.
Keith and Linda Shook - Jan 4, 2025
So sorry to hear of Rays passing..always enjoyed seeing him anywhere bluegrass music was playing. Condolences to the family.
Mark and Sue Smith - Jan 4, 2025
So sorry for your loss Kenny, Tammy & Shelby....
Kay Carr - Jan 4, 2025
I'm so very sorry to hear this news. My condolences and prayers for the family.
CONNIE MONTGOMERY - Jan 4, 2025
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness. Prayers.
Brenda - Jan 4, 2025
Judy and Jim, I am so very sorry, and feel blessed to have been able to have known Ray and to have shared so many fond conversations with him. He was a true kind gentleman, and it was a privilege getting to know you both. God bless and many prayers for healing and strength. by R
Randy and Jeanie Watts, Palm Coast, FL - Jan 4, 2025
We are thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time. Ray was such a wonderful man and a precious friend of our sister Maxine Lillo and we adored him. May God surround you with His love and give you peace. Randy and Jeanie (Purcell) Watts, Palm Coast, FL
Becky Halliwell - Jan 4, 2025
Ray was such a wonderful man. I am honored to have one of his handcrafted canes he made for me several years ago! We will be greatly missed
