Ray was born in Chicago, IL on December 1, 1937. He was the son of the late Edith (Gemmato) and Raymond S. Smith.

Ray had happy childhood memories growing up in a family friendly neighborhood in Lansing, Illinois.   A move to Milwaukee led to attending the University of Wisconsin.  For fun during the college years, Ray organized a baseball team consisting of North and Southside Milwaukee rivals. He also worked at his uncle's bowling alley as a pin setter. Bowling became a lifelong hobby with many games being played with family and friends over the years. He entered the military (Army) and was stationed in Germany in the Military Police.  During this time, he was able to reconnect with many of his Italian relatives.

Ray married Carol in 1967, and then entered the University of Minnesota to earn his Master's degree in Health Care Administration.  Daughter, Therese, was born during this time and was referred to as the "class baby". Son, Michael, was soon born and Ray found himself involved with the PTA and the coach of many of the kids' soccer teams.  Ray's career as a hospital administrator brought the family to Kansas City, Tampa and Pittsburgh. Taking a break from the health care world, Ray and Carol owned and managed two businesses, Wheels for Walking ambulatory equipment and Nancy's Originals, a craft store.  He returned to the professional field as an instructor at Avila University in Kansas City.

Ray's life included involvement in the community, church, and local government.  He held high esteem for friendships and developed many with his warm smile, contagious laughs and love of music.  Caring for his family was a priority, serving as caregiver for many years to his mother and Carol's father.  Ray was a great story teller sometimes teasing his listeners with tales or educating others with this skill.

His Alzheimer's diagnosis some eight years ago led to the loss of much of what he loved.   With  Carol, and the challenges both faced, Ray never lost his longing for what was good in the world.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd. Delray Beach, FL 33483 on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 10am.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held in Kansas City, Kansas at a date to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Community Care at www.alzcare.org or charity of your choice.