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1 Pine Knoll Drive
Greenville, South Carolina
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Ray Hosley Smith, 90, a retired field artillery colonel with the U.S. Army, died Sunday, July 21, 2013, at home.
Born in Potter County, Pa., a son of the late Deforest Sr. and Evelyn Hosley Smith, he was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, class of 1939, and St. Bonaventure University, class of 1943, with a degree in physics. He later earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1949.
He served 30 years in the U.S. Army, with combat service in Gen. Patton's Third Army in Europe from 1944 to 1945, and in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He graduated from several Army schools, including the National War College in Washington, class of 1966. He commanded two batteries, two battalions and a brigade; and served two tours on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon. His military decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two clusters, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart.
Since retiring to South Carolina in 1973, he was twice president of the Pendleton Lions Club; twice president of the Piedmont Area Retired Officers Association; and was active in the Republican party, serving several years as state executive committeeman for Anderson County. He wrote many letters to the editor on foreign policy or national defense issues and spoke to many civic clubs on such issues. He was a member of Pendleton United Methodist Church for several years and later of North Anderson Baptist Church.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Jerry (Patricia) Hardy of Roanoke, Va., Ann Smith of Taylors, Mrs. James (Victoria) Richberg of Anderson and Mrs. Brion (Susan) Holzberger of Easley; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Roah Olmstead Smith; a brother, Deforest Smith Jr. of Genessee, Pa.; and a sister, Mrs. William (Bonnie) Burch of Hornell, N.Y.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 3, 2013) at North Anderson Baptist Church, 2308 N. Main St., Anderson, S.C.
Memorials may be made to the church or a charity of one's choice.
For more information, please visit Woodlawn Funeral Home, Greenville, S.C., www.woodlawn-fh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I want to give thanks for Ray's many and intelegent years of service for our wonderful country.
He was a loving and loyal husband to Roah while also loving and being proud of their children.
I miss e-mails we exchanged for many years.
In closing I want to thank the family for their information about the events since his passing.
Bob Strother
August 19, 2014
Ray was a good friend and a faithful member of Pendleton UMC while I was there.He was active in District and Conference work.He And Roah had us in their home many times. Gods love to all the family.
Bob Strother
July 31, 2013
Bob Strother
July 31, 2013
We did what old soldiers do we shared our service experiences, and many discussions on politics and we were both very concerned on the welfare of our armed forces. Last and my no means the lease those conservations concerned the welfare of our pet cats Shadow and Zippo.
Richard Yarborough
July 29, 2013
Ray was a very special and dear friend to my Father, Richard L. Yarborough, retired from the U.S. Army. They kept in touch for years through e-mails until Ray could no longer do so , and then Sue would write for him. His last e-mail my Dad received we knew that Ray was ready and looking forward to going home to be with the Lord. My Father thought very highly of Ray and he was always in our conversations as my Dad would update us on his life and family. I know that he will be greatly missed. Our Love, thoughts, and prayers are with all of you. Your Father is now in the presence of the Lord and with his beloved wife and you will see him again one day. What a day to look forward to! God Bless You All, Cathy Appner (Dick Yarborough's Daughter)
Cathy Appner
July 25, 2013
My heart goes out to you. Ray and I were great friends for many years and I shall miss him. We were email buddies in solving the problems of the world, worked in the political arena together and went on many trips to party affairs.
Ray was truly a hero who loved his God first, his family next and then his country.
My farewell until Thelma and I meet with him and Roah in God's Kingdom.
Bill Trammell
July 24, 2013
PATTY, ANN, VICKI, AND SUE, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU COUSINS. I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LOOSE A DAD. IT HURTS, BUT KNOWING HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE HELPS YOU TO GET THROUGH IT. HOPE TO SEE YOU IN VA. KEEP ME POSTED AS TO WHEN THAT WILL BE. STEVE AND WILMA SMITH KOSER
July 24, 2013
May the GOD OF ALL COMFORT comfort you as you mourn the passing of your father into glory.
Jack & Mary Strickfaden
July 23, 2013
RIP to a patriot and military hero. May the Lord comfort the family.
Dr. John E. Russell
Chaplain (COL) AUS Retired
John Russell
July 23, 2013
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