Raymond J. Smith

Raymond Jay Smith was born October 26, 1936 to Josephine Weaver Smith and George E Smith in Sylvania, Ohio. He passed away on November 8, 2022 in Largo, Florida. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 51 years, Charlotte T. Smith and his sister, Marilyn Hartkopf. He is survived by his four children, J. Michael Messer of Orlando, FL, Teresa M. King (Chris) of Largo, FL, Scott R. Smith (Heather) of Winston-Salem, NC, and Kelli L. Smith (Todd) of Mill Spring, NC. His grandchildren include Meredith A. Burris (Todd) of Orlando, FL, Ryan C. King (Ashley) of Largo, FL, Kyle B. King (Christy) of Lacombe, LA, Ethan A. Smith of Seattle, WA, and Lauren S. Smith of Winston-Salem, NC. His great-grandchildren are Dustin Williams, Auburn Williams, Mackenzie King, and Colton King. He has one great-great-grandchild, Waylon Williams. Pearly Graham has been his companion over the past several years.

Ray enlisted in the Army in 1960 and served for two years, including a tour in Germany. He then served in the Army Reserves for an additional four years. Ray’s professional career was in accounting where he worked for several banks and other businesses in the Clearwater area. During tax season, Ray volunteered his services to help residents file their taxes. In the late 1960’s and early ‘70’s he also worked as a movie projectionist at a local drive-in theater. For many years, Ray and Charlotte attended Belmont Park United Methodist Church and served in multiple administrative roles until it closed.

Besides his family, Ray’s great pride and joy was his award-winning dynasty green 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback. He bought it new from a dealership in Clearwater and drove it daily for many years. He frequently participated in car shows and loved to share his joy of the Mustang with everyone he met. He was an active member of the local Suncoast Mustang Club and in 2014, he and his wife traveled with the club to Charlotte Motor Speedway in NC to participate in the Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Ray loved camping, fishing, walking, and was an avid bowler. He was a season ticket holder and supporter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from their inception. RJ spent many hours on his tractor “Big Red”. He also loved attending car races including local tracks and races at Daytona International Speedway as well as Sebring races. Ray loved to travel. He and Charlotte, along with another couple, traveled with their campers from Florida to Alaska for the adventure of a lifetime. Another memorable trip was in 1985 with Charlotte, Teresa, Scott, and Kelli, when they rode mules down into Grand Canyon, slept overnight at the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch, and swam in the Colorado River.

Ray was a beloved friend, husband, father, and Papa, an active community member, and a faithful man of God. His wisdom and love will be deeply missed.

Services will be held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home at 2853 Sunset Point Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759 on Thursday, November 17. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. The service begins at 11:30 a.m.

Donations may be made to organizations that Ray supported for many years which include Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Florida Methodist Children’s Home, and HEP – Homeless Empowerment Program.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Smith family.