Ray Balyeat Smith

He was born on January 2nd 1927, to Thomas and Odie Smith in Oklahoma City.

Ray attended Central High School in Oklahoma City, and was a proud Cardinal to the end. After High School he joined the Army as a Military Police soldier stationed in Germany at the end of World War II. Returning to the states, Ray served in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Ray married the love of his life, Reena Wood, affectionately known as Winkie, on August 19th, 1950. Their only child Michael was born in 1964.

Ray enjoyed a long civilian career in Instrument Tech Services at Tinker Air Force Base, with honors, including receiving an award in Washington DC from then Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. He retired from Tinker in 1983, before doing a stint as Camp Director at Cedar Hills Baptist Youth Camp, and several other assorted endeavors.

Among other things, he was an avid outdoorsman, and for many years he could be found out on any one of the area lakes trying to start his boat. So you know he had to love it. This is also a man who once, during archery season, killed two deer with a single arrow, in one shot. Documented to be true by his retelling of the story.

Ray delighted in spending time helping friends and family with his opinions, advice and knowledge. Anyone could benefit, really, even strangers, as it can truly be said that this man knew no strangers.

Most importantly, Ray Smith knew and loved Jesus Christ, and he is with his Lord and Savior right now, hoping that he will someday see each and every one of us again. Certainly, when we get there, he’ll utter his favorite phrase of all time: “Ya liked ta missed it.” And then give us a big hug.

We love you Dad, and miss you more than words can say.

Ray is survived by his wife of 74 years, Reena Smith, his son Michael Smith, granddaughters Daina Kringlen and Abigail Smith, great-granddaughter Cadence Kringlen, and his great-grandson Wyatt Kringlen.

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Odie Smith, and his brother Don Smith.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 15th 2025 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home at Sunny Lane Cemetery, 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 16th 2025 at 1:00 PM at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home at Sunny Lane Cemetery, with Doctor Ray Sikes officiating.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Funeral Home, Cemetery & Cremation.

Pallbearers will be Ray’s great-grandson Wyatt Kringlen, Ray’s nephews Rick Smith, David Smith, Randy Smith, and Donnie Smith, Kyle Kringlen, and Ray’s son Michael Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are Allan Boland and Jerry Dossey.