Raymond "Ray" Smith

Memorial service for Raymond Smith, 80, of Geronimo, Oklahoma will be held at 11am on Wednesday, October 8th at Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma.

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ray, a devoted husband and father, who peacefully left this world on Monday, September 29, 2025 at his home surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on July 20, 1945, in Vallejo, California, Ray lived a life defined by love, dedication, respect, and hard work. He was the rock of his family, a steady hand, and a kind heart who never hesitated to put others before himself. As a husband, he was endlessly devoted, building a life of warmth, protection, and memories with his beloved wife of 43 years, Barbara. As a father, he was a guiding light of support, encouragement, and unconditional love. His calm presence and generous heart touched everyone who knew him.

Ray served in the Army as an Infantryman for twenty-three years. After completing basic and advanced infantry training, his first duty assignment was Vietnam. Upon completing his tour in Vietnam, Ray had a very interesting and distinguished career where he served both abroad and at home. He took advantage of opportunities and volunteered for additional duties which influenced and shaped his career path. He served twice in both Korea and Germany. His duty assignments in the United States were Fort Carson, CO, Fort Huachuca, AZ, and Fort Ord, CA. His final assignment was Fort Sill, OK, as the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge, operating marksmanship ranges leading to his retirement as a Sergeant First Class on August 31, 1988. Military Awards: Bronze Star Medal w/ Valor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal – Korea, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon w/Numeral Three, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge. After retirement he was especially proud to own and operate his own business, Ray's Plumbing Trenching and Backhoe Service, where he earned respect through his honesty, integrity, and dedication to doing the job right.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara, his children Amanda Smith, Marion Kinnison (Michael), Angelo Engelhardt (Erin), and Raini Holschuh (Linde). His grandchildren Christoph Holschuh, Marina Titz, and Tristyn Ortega. Great-grandchildren Leonard and Hermine Titz, Delila, Marilyn, Gabriel Ortega, and Valentino Salcido. Brothers Lonnie Smith and Mike Smith. Sisters Syble Schneider, Vivian Coddington, and Diana Barley. And his partner in crime and napping buddy Coco.

His love wasn't passive. It was intentional, visible, and strong.