Ray Smith

Ray Layle Smith formally of Coffeyville passed away on February 2, 2016 at Elm Heaven East in Parsons Kansas.

Ray was born to Albert Smith and Sophronia Moore Smith of Wann, OK on May 2, 1921. Ray was a great story-teller, and told many stories of his younger years. Ray was the youngest of five brothers, and they spent their early years haying and harvesting for family and neighbors in Nowata County, Oklahoma. They also formed a small band that played for informal gatherings in the neighborhood. He told about teams of the neighbor's draft horses pulling their family home down muddy roads to a new location during the depression, and about a tornado that carried away the family chicken coop. He attended grade and high schools in Wann, OK, then received an Associate of Arts degree from Coffeyville Junior College. During this time he met Majorie Witwer, and they married in Coffeyville in 1942, shortly before Ray joined the Army and served during WWII. He was a member of the forces that landed on Normandy Beach the day after D-Day, and eventually served in the Military Police in France, Belgium, and Germany. He was an eye-witness to the releasing of prisoners from several concentration camps. Later, he was offered a position under then General Dwight Eisenhower, but he and Marjorie chose to remain in SE Kansas for family reasons. Ray remained a member of the Army Reserve for many years after returning to civilian life. After the war, Ray worked in Coffeyville for Parkersburg Rig and Reel, Cribben & Sexton Company in Independence, Funk Manufacturing in Coffeyville and Gibson's Discount Centers in Coffeyville and a new location in Independence, of which he managed. Later in life he was a realtor and broker for Midwest Real Estate. For decades Ray and "Tator' Brooks rented chair backs at area sport events and rodeos. For hobbies, Ray enjoyed yard work during the summer and also took pride in decorating their home during Christmas. Ray was known in the community for his sense of humor, work ethic, honesty and integrity. Ray and Marjorie worked well into their 80's, and retired to rural Parsons, Kansas in 2006 to be near their son and his family. They were married for almost 70 years, until Marjorie's death in 2011. He was preceded in death by Marjorie and their daughter, Cheryl Smith Lackey. Ray is survived by his son, Terryl Smith, two granddaughters, Jordan Rose and Allison Smith, and three grandchildren, Kayin Rose, and Rue and Trace Smith.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10:30 am at the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville, Kansas. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016 at the chapel, the family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8pm. Interment will be held at Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville. The family has suggested memorial contributions be made payable to Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left with the chapel. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

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