Raymond Lindsey Smith, Jr

Raymond Lindsey Smith, Jr. ("Lin Smith") Age 86 · Talladega, Alabama

peacefully joined his Heavenly Father at 2:24 PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Ohio's Hospice in Dayton, Ohio.

Born to the late Mabel and Ray Smith, Lin was native to Atlanta and spent his formative years in Cascade Heights where he attended Southwest High School, played football, trombone in the marching band, and proudly served as President of his senior class. A gifted musician, he played guitar and sang in a rock band alongside his childhood friend, recording artist Joe South.

Lin received a football scholarship at the University of Georgia, where he played tackle with legendary quarterback Fran Tarkenton. He later earned his B.S. in Business Management at UGA. Lin proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Tokyo, Japan, later completing two additional years in the Naval Reserves. As an Atomic Veteran, he took part in nuclear bomb testing in the Pacific. Some of his fondest memories were guiding tours aboard the U.S.S. Arizona, where he had the honor of meeting several well-known entertainers.

Family was the cornerstone of Lin's life. He raised his two children, Lora and Chris, in Roswell and Alpharetta, GA, always cherishing summer vacations at Lake Burton in North Georgia. There, the Smith family shared countless memories waterskiing, enjoying barbecues, and playing bluegrass music with lifelong friends-the Cochrans, the Sheats, and Larry Quattlebaum.

For nearly 40 years, Lin worked side by side with his father, operating Ray Smith Office Supply Company on Cascade Road in Atlanta. Upon retirement, he and his beloved wife, Mary Burk, settled in Talladega, Alabama, where they enjoyed 30 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with community, music, and love. Lin spent his days flying model airplanes, playing in a local bluegrass/folk band, and gathering with family and friends.

Lin was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Ray Smith; his first wife, Terri Lucinda Apt-Wall of Atlanta, GA; his second wife, Katherine Banks Smith of Atlanta, GA; and his third wife, Mary Burk Smith of Talladega, AL.

He is survived by his sister, Peggy Smith Greer; his daughter, Lora Lucinda Sigritz (Mike Young); his son, Christopher Lindsey Smith (Lauren Paine); and his stepdaughters, Penny Bates and Kelly Clevenger.

He also leaves behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Katelyn Lucinda Carrico (Timmy), Lindsey Smith Schultheiss (Lucas), Griffin Smith, Jessica Smith, and Brady Smith; as well as his step-grandchildren Shelby Newton, Derek Bates, Michael Bates, Hunter Bates, Elizabeth McGinley; and step-great-grandchildren Bentley, Kaius, Kingston, Landyn, Emeri, Weston, and Katherine.

Lin will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a man of music with a sharp wit and a touch of sarcasm, a proud veteran, and a steadfast friend. His love for family and the simple joys of life will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Veteran's memorial service celebrating the life of Raymond "Lin" Smith will be held at The Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr., Canton, GA 30114, on Monday, October 13 at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (https://alzfdn.org/donate/ ) in honor of Raymond Lindsey Smith, Jr.