Ray Miller Smith, age 87, of Conover, NC passed away on Monday, March 11, 2013 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. Born November 2, 1925 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Bard King and Clara Emma Hoke Smith.
He was a member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ. A veteran of the United States Coast Guard Merchant Marines, he served in World War II and also was a member of the American Legion Post #16. Mr. Smith retired from G.E. Company in Hickory.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Witherspoon Smith; two brothers, Howard Smith and Glenn Smith; two sisters, Martha Johnson and Annie Mae Hartline; a son-in-law, Richard Hoffman; a grandson, James Hoffman and a granddaughter, Martha Hoffman.
Survivors include two daughters, Sarah Hoffman of Conover and Julie Kanipe, and husband, Andy of Conover; a son, Johnny Smith and wife, Mary of Ft Pierce, Florida;
a sister-in-law, Thelma Smith of Sneads Ferry, NC; grandchildren, Julie Shurts and husband, David of California, Terri Bunn and husband, Travis of Charlotte, NC, Eric Kanipe and wife, Brigail of Conover NC, Sean Smith of Florida; great grandchildren, Nathan and Derek Shurts, Ashlyn Bunn, Kaylee, Raeanne, and Caroline Kanipe, and a number of nieces and nephews.
A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ. Revs. Lonny McSherley and Peggy Stout will officiate and burial will follow in Catawba Memorial Park with military rites by Newton American Legion Post #16.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, prior to the funeral, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church.
Memorials may be made to The Children’s School at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 217 Second Ave., NE, Conover, NC 28613.
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