Donald Ray Smith

Donald Ray Smith, 79, of Bedford passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born in Bedford, VA on November 23, 1946. A son of the late, Marion Henderson “Hennie” Smith and Ruth Elizabeth Messick Smith. In addition to his parents Donald was preceded in death by five siblings, Floyd “Sonny” Smith, Jane Smith Ragland, Marion Smith Croft, Frank Johnson Smith and Francis Henderson Smith

Donald was a lifelong member of Flint Hill Baptist Church. He loved his church and never hesitated to mention his love for Jesus. For as long as he was able, he never missed a service and made sure to greet regulars and visitors alike. In his younger years, Donald participated in the Flint Hill softball and volleyball teams and made friends with others from churches all over the local area.

Donald was employed at the former Terrace House restaurant for over 25 years. He was proud of his accomplishments there and made many friends during his career. He later worked for a short time at McDonald’s and Longwood Industries.

Donald loved to travel via bus tours. He particularly loved bluegrass music and enjoyed many showboat tours in the Branson, Missouri area. Donald was a self-taught musician and could play the guitar, harmonica, and keyboard.

Donald never encountered an electronic audio-visual system, gadget, or gizmo that he could not conquer. In earlier years, he was a ham (amateur) radio operator, combining his joy of making new friends with his endless curiosity to learn about other people and places.

It was impossible to run errands around the Town of Bedford with Donald and not feel as if you were in the company of a celebrity. So very many people knew him and each would happily explain their connection.

Donald is survived by his siblings, Fred Douglas Smith and his wife, Carol, Randolph Wayne Smith and his wife, Kathy, Ronald Lee Smith and Judy Smith Booth. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Donald’s memory please consider: Bedford Rescue Squad, Flint Hill Baptist Church, and Bedford Fire Department.

A funeral service and celebration of Donald’s life will be conducted at 2:00 pm, Friday, March 20, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Vernon Delong officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Bedford, VA. To send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.