Ray Smith

Ray Joel Smith, 77 years of age, of Locust, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

Ray was born September 2, 1936 in Stanly County to the late Willie Franklin Smith and Zelma Mae Hartsell Smith. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Derek Ray Smith; and eight brothers and sisters, Earl Smith, Ruby Barbee, Grace Gray, Wilma Lambert, Ethel Monk, Junior Smith, Edward Smith, and Archie Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, March 14, 2014 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service will be on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Freedom Baptist Church in Locust officiated by Pastor Wally Gilmer. The burial will follow at Community Baptist Church Cemetery in Locust, with military honors conducted by the Stanly County DAV, Chapter 12. At other times the family will be gathering at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years wife, Joyce Soots Smith of Locust; son, Mark Smith and Holly Hicks of Locust; daughter, Marian Lambert of Asheville, four granddaughters, Samantha Smith, Allison Smith, Deidre Blevins and husband Scott, and Candice Mullins and husband Jeremy; three great grandsons, Boston, Canaan, Brady; and sister, Mildred Calloway of Concord.

Ray served his country honorably as a jet engine mechanic in the United States Air Force. He was a former member of the Locust City Council, and worked as a quality control specialist for Reliance Electric. Ray was an avid gardener, and loved to work in his yard. He also enjoyed cattle farming and fishing.

Memorials may be made to Tucker Hospice House of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Smith family.