He was born August 29th, 1932 to James and Nellie Smith in Louisville, Tennessee. Ray graduated from high-school and joined the Navy in 1950. He served four years during the Korean War. While serving overseas he was a carpenter and a welder on the Essex aircraft carrier. On leave from duty he met his future wife Ardeth Parsons in Garden Grove, California. On their third meeting he asked her to marry him and on June 7, 1953 were married. They had three daughters Raylene, Rhonda and Sheryl. Ray was devoted to God, his family and friends. He spent much of his time singing hymns in quartets, trios, at conventions and on the radio. Ray was an avid fishermen and spent much of his time with his family and friends in Canada pursuing the next big catch. Ray is survived by his wife Ardeth of 65 years, two daughters Raylene and Sheryl.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Rhonda Zevely and granddaughter Andrea Lackey.

He was born August 29th, 1932 to James and Nellie Smith in Louisville, Tennessee. Ray graduated from high-school and joined the Navy in 1950. He served four years during the Korean War. While serving overseas he was a carpenter and a welder on the Essex aircraft carrier. On leave from duty he met his future wife Ardeth Parsons in Garden Grove, California. On their third meeting he asked her to marry him and on June 7, 1953 were married. They had three daughters Raylene, Rhonda and Sheryl. Ray was devoted to God, his family and friends. He spent much of his time singing hymns in quartets, trios, at conventions and on the radio. Ray was an avid fishermen and spent much of his time with his family and friends in Canada pursuing the next big catch. Ray is survived by his wife Ardeth of 65 years, two daughters Raylene and Sheryl.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Rhonda Zevely and granddaughter Andrea Lackey.