Ray Eugene Smith

November 27, 1918 - June 8, 2008

Ray Eugene Smith Ray was born November 27, 1918 at Valley Falls, Ore., and passed on June 8, 2008 in Lakeview, Ore. Ray spent his early childhood in logging camps and on ranches around Lake County. He then moved with his family to the Rogue Valley in 1929 where he later graduated from Sams Valley High School. During World War II Ray was a U.S. Army Medic and served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of war. While stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas he married Rogue Valley native Lorraine Russell. After the war Ray worked in the family orchard business, and logged for Hanscom Brothers Logging of Eagle Point, until his retirement in 1980. Ray was an avid hunter and sportsman who loved exploring the northwest, seeking the perfect fishing water. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, in 2003 and their eldest son, Russell in 1990. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Sue Smith of Beaverton, Ore.; son, Michael and his wife, Evelyn; and granddaughter, Emily of Troutdale; son, David and his wife, Deanna of Paisley; granddaughters Rita Stearns of Springfield, Jennifer Gladwill of Sparks, Nev., and Janet Smith of Grants Pass; son, Joel Smith of Healdsburg, Calif.; grandson, Eric Smith of Healdsburg. Ray was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel in Medford, Ore., at 11:00 a.m. on Monday June 16, 2008. Arrangements by: Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary, Medford (541)773-6162. www.hillcrestmortuary.com