Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Raymond Smith Obituary
(78) of Scottsdale AZ passed away on May 27, 2011. He was born on April 19, 1933 in Philadelphia PA. He graduated John Bartram High School and was a Korean War veteran. In 1957 he married Joan Morris, and this union lasted 54 years. They raised five children in Ocean City NJ. He started an auto-detailing business in the 1970s and Ray's Mirror Shine remains in operation today. Ray enjoyed baseball and classic cars, and volunteered at Phoenix Children's Hospital after moving to Arizona in 1991. He was a kind and gentle man who always had a smile. He is survived by his wife Joan of Scottsdale; his sons Marc and Brian of Phoenix and Jeffrey of Galveston TX; his daughter Karen Yoxall of Tucson; his sister Elaine of Drexel Hill PA; and five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He lost his son Christopher on December 18, 2010. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday June 11, 2011 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 84th St. and Shea in Scottsdale, followed by an informal gathering. Donations may be made to the Wellness Center at the UMOM New Day Center for homeless families, in memory of Raymond and Christopher.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Smith
Karen Yoxall
June 24, 2011
My dad was the finest gentleman I have ever known.
Some people say the true test of character is when you do the right thing even when no one is looking. That was Dad. He genuinely liked his fellow man, and thought the best of everyone. People reciprocated – you couldn’t meet him, or see that twinkle in his eyes, without seriously liking him. He wasn’t flamboyant or showy – and in fact avoided ever being the center of attention. Instead, he was the humblest and most unassuming sweetheart of a man. It is so easy to unreservedly love him with all my heart – and I know how fortunate I am to be able to say that. He taught us children, by example, to work hard and live simply. He was a rock …just like the one on his mantel that says “The best thing a father can do for his children is love their mother.” He did that to the utmost. He was the ultimate Good Egg and I’m forever proud to be his daughter.
Kim Smith
June 12, 2011
Ray was wonderful in all of his roles- husband, father, grandfather,uncle and friend. He was a great man - perfect in my eyes. He was one of the few who talked the talk AND walked the walk. He was the example of a person that all humans should follow. I never heard Ray say a bad word about anyone, or have judgement about anyone. He treated everyone with kindness and respect and gave to those who were less fortunate. He was a true leader and role model through good times, bad times and the worst of times. He will continue to lead each of us through his gifts of wisdom -"you just do the best that you can" and "life goes on". I feel so lucky that I married his son Marc and was welcomed into the Smith family as Marc's wife, a sister and a daughter. Ray meant as much to me as my own father and I will never ever forget him and will always love and honor him.
Lupita Q
June 3, 2011
Dad,we miss you....
Kathleen, Ken, Michelle Peterson
June 1, 2011
Ray was a special, kind and gentle man. His smile could light up a room and spread sunshine in even the darkest places. His devotion to his wife, Joan, was an inspiration to us all. Please watch over us as we need as many Angels as we can get these days!! Give Christopher a hug for us--we miss him everyday. We are so glad we got to know you--we have been changed for good.
June 1, 2011
Ray was a special, kind and gentle man. His smile could light up a room and cast sunshine in even the darkest places. His devotion to his wife, Joan, was a great example to us all. Please watch over us as we all need all the angels we can get these days. Give Christopher a big hug from all of us. So glad that we got to know you--we have been changed for good.
handsome devil.......
Marc Smith
June 1, 2011
For all those who would like to see why Mom snapped him up 54 years ago..........
the perfect union
Marc Smith
June 1, 2011
We'll all miss you, Dad, but your example and kind spirit will live on in our hearts, I promise you. You taught us well and showed how to live, love and do our best; can't ask for anything more. You were a man I would be proud to be half of.
June 1, 2011
We love and miss your sweetness already, dear Ray. I will never forget the gentleness and humor that was you. Give Chris a big hug from us. Much love, Lisa, Jack, Zoe and Lucy.
Nellie Williams
June 1, 2011
Ray you were, truly, a gentle soul. It was my privilege to know you. Thank you for your good example on how to live life. I will miss you.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Raymond Smith's name
Memorial Events
for Raymond Smith
How to support Raymond's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Raymond Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
