Ernest Ray Smith

A retired project estimator/statistician with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, he died at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Hospice of Baton Rouge. He was a native of Meridian, Miss., and a longtime resident of Baton Rouge. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War and had attained the rank of sergeant upon discharge. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Friday, May 29, was from 8:30 a.m. until dismissal at 9 a.m. The committal service at Port Hudson National Cemetery was at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29. Pallbearers were Tom Blackwell, David Brighters, Edgar Dayries, Bobby Harris, Hollis Hodges and Wayne Robichaux. Visitation at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. to be followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Hawley Wolfe. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Adelaide Ann Duls Smith. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Edward Smith Sr. and Velma Miller Smith; sister, Frances Josephine Henderson; and two brothers, Edward Smith Jr. and James Dunn Smith. Survived by granddaughters, Emily Atol, of Baton Rouge, and Dr. Amy Griffin, of Alexandria. He leaves a loving family, including sister-in-law, Maxine Smith; nephews and nieces, Jim Smith, Melba Scardino, Rick Spence, Terri Goodlove, Sandi Hanson, Jeanne Luntsford, Denise Goforth and Nancy Westbrooks. He was a graduate of Meridian High School in Meridian and attended Meridian Junior College and LSU. His interests included Mississippi State sports and LSU basketball. His lifelong interest in trains and photography resulted in Ernest Ray and Ann traveling North America extensively to photograph, ride and observe trains, especially diesel engines. He made friends throughout the country and joined them on trips to many railroad sites. He relished using his "magic" word to accomplish his needs and wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in his name be made to Broadmoor Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Baton Rouge.