Rev. Dr. Wray Smith

Rev. Dr. Wray C. Smith, 86, passed away Friday, October 10, 2008, at his home. He was born March 27, 1922, in Beatty, Ohio to the late Charles L. and Amelia W. Walters Smith. Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1944, Bachelor of Divinity in 1946, Master of Divinity in 1957 from Hamma School of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity in 1968 from Wittenberg University. He was the Founder and Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for 41 years, Assistant Pastor, Second-Trinity Lutheran Church in Dayton, the Visitation Pastor for St. John's United Church of Christ and Supply Pastor at numerous churches. He was nicknamed "The Patriotic Preacher" for his support of the many military and veteran activities. Wray served in many capacities and held many offices for the Lutheran church at all levels. He was Radio Chairman for the Area Lutheran Pastor Association for 50 years. Dr. Smith was the Director and Founder of Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Ashland, Oh. He was a member of and served for the following organizations: Richland County Historical Society; Oak Hill Cottage Board; International Platform Association; Men's Garden Club; Mansfield Art Center; Past Vice President of the Visiting Nurses Association of North Central Ohio; Mansfield Symphony Society; Board of Zoning Commission chair; Freedom Festival chairman for 23 years; AARP; Consultant, Senior Power, Neighborhood Watch; Society for the Preservation of Mansfield Reformatory, board member; Westbrook Country Club, board member; National Geographic Society; American Aviation Historical Society; Statue of Liberty Foundation; National Memorial to Veterans; member, past board chairman, Richland County Foundation; Judge, member of Richland Academy of the Arts and Sciences; City Planning Commission, Park Board, Advisory Committee and Sheriff's Department; Exchange Club and Citizen Award; American Security Council; US Navy League; Confederate Air Force; Life member Richland County Veterans Assn; RCV; and was assistant treasurer of Friends of Ohio National Guard. Dr. Smith also served as chaplain for these organizations: Amvets Post 26, Sad Sacks Baggy Sack 17, Mansfield Memorial and Patriotic Society, Firing Squad and participated in Four Chaplains presentation every year. Wray received many awards throughout his life for his endeavors including: Key to the City of Mansfield; Sertoma Award; being listed on 12 Who's Who Lists; Outstanding Citizen's Award for the State of Ohio and Ohio National guard, and was inducted into the State of Ohio Citizen Hall of Fame. During his time in Mansfield, Dr. Smith served on many committees in city and county government, was an author, lecturer and host of his radio program for 20 years. Lastly, Wray will be remembered as an avid reader who enjoyed gardening, photography, cooking and travel-visiting 55 countries.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark C. & Debbie Smith of Mansfield and Timothy W. & Karen Smith of Plains City, OH.; one stepson, Stephen Book Nicely of Malvern, PA.; two grandsons, Jeffrey C. and Taylor J. Smith of Mansfield; and a brother, Charles W. Smith of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Nicely Smith; parents; and brothers, Carl and Harold.

Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, October 12, 2008 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. Additional calling hours will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church one hour prior to services Monday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Pentti Maki officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, Richland County Foundation, or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.