Raymond Ray Smith

Raymond R. Smith (Smitty), age 78 of Alston, MI passed away on Friday, December 19, 2008 at Bayside Village in L'Anse, MI.

He was born on August 13, 1931 in Millington, MI son to the late Morley and Lolita (Dolliver) Smith. Raymond was in the US Army during the Korean War; returning from there he married Louann Hardy in 1955. Raymond worked for GM in Flint, MI for 8 years. He was also a mechanic, steel mill worker, built bridges, and did construction work. He moved to Alston in the early 70's and married Judith Ryan November 9,1974. He owned and operated a garage/gas station in Pelkie for many years. He also worked for a car dealership in Ontonagon. Raymond was in the National Guard with Co A 107th Engineers in Baraga, retiring from there in 1994. Raymond drove school bus and was maintenance attendant for L'Anse Area Schools, retiring from there in 1996.

He was a member of the Mission United Lutheran Church, and the Kinnunen-Sutinen VFW Post #7646 in Alston.

Ray enjoyed his grandchildren and talked about them and showed pictures of them to visitors. He enjoyed camping and fishing and working on cars and trucks. Ray enjoyed helping others. There was never anyone turned away when they stopped for assistance while working on their vehicles or projects. If he had what was needed it was given most of the time for no charge. His ready smile and personality put people at ease. I don't know of anyone who didn't like Ray.

Surviving are his sons, Paris Melford (Terry) Smith of Dayton, Ohio, Crandal (Virginia Rose) Smith of Ludington, MI, daughter-in-laws, Jennifer Smith of Ludington, MI, Pam Smith of Scottsville, MI; grandchildren, Deven, Chad, Meagan, Philip,Erik, Keith, Anna, Lisa, Mandy, Misty, Elisha, and Felicia, Carlene, and Tomas; great grandchildren Tyler; a brother Leon Smith and a sister Paula Queen both of Flint; brother-in-law's Chuck Blalock, Kenny, and Joe; sister-in-law's Marline, Wennie, and Nancy; nieces and nephews, Karen, Cheryl, Kenny, Brenda, Cindy, Terry, Glinda, Diane, Treasa, Randy, Bonnie, William, Donald, Danny Sharron, Richard, Justin, Michelle, Christopher, Joey, Angela, Debbie and Tammy.

Preceding him in death are his sons Daniel Smith and Delray Smith; brothers Joe and Richard Smith; sister Carolyn Hart; sister-in-law Joyce Blalock.

Graveside will take place on Monday, June 22nd at 1:00 pm, in the Nisula Cemetery. Rev. John Autio will officiate and the Baraga County Area Veteran's will conduct Military Services under the direction of the American Legion Post 444 of Baraga. The Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The burial will be in the Nisula Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse is assisting the family. Friends may sign Raymond's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com