Ray L. Smith

Ray L. Smith , 86, of Oak Hill, WV died on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at the home of his daughter, Joan following a long illness. Born January 6, 1924 in Oak Hill, WV on Bunker Hill he was the son of the late George Raymond and Fannie Dell Treadway Smith. Mr. Smith was a former coal miner at the Summerlee mine and a retired Long-Airdox employee with 25 years service. He was also a farmer. He and his late wife enjoyed raising a large garden and selling the produce from their home for many years. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He was a former member of the Oak Hill Civitan and the Oak Hill VFW Post #3110. A World War II veteran, he served in the 252nd engineer Combat Battalion having assisted in the crossing of the Rhine River as a storm boat operator in operation "Flashpoint." The family sends a special thanks to the Beckley VA Hospital staff, Dr. Boyd, Rosemary Lawson and Karen Burtt. His wife, Marjorie G. "Sap" Valentine Smith, a son, Donald G. Smith and three sisters, Helen Smith, Myrtle Hutchinson and Anna Margaret Taylor preceded him in death. Survivors include one daughter, Joan D. Stowers and husband, Larry of Oak Hill, son, David Smith and wife, Kay of Oak Hill and his twin brother, Roy A. Smith and wife, Ruby of Oak Hill. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Larry A. Stowers of Fayetteville, Becky Gullett of Hico, Dan Stowers of Oak Hill, Niki Withrow of Fayetteville, Redawna Harler of Page and Tracy Smith of Oak Hill and eleven great grandchildren, Molly Sowers, Wesley Sowers, Madison Stowers, Ciera Belcher, Rheagan Belcher, Andrew Smith, Jackson Smith, Danny Saye,Kayleigh Saye, Austin Harler and Kelsey Harler. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Rev. Doug Holley officiating. Entombment will be at High Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Oak Hill with military graveside rites by Oak Hill VFW Post #3110. Visitation will be held at Tyree Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV