Ray Hosley Smith, 90 of Greenville, SC, a retired Field Artillery Colonel, U.S. Army, died July 21, 2013 at home. Born in Potter County, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Deforest, Sr., and Evlyn Hosley Smith, he was a graduate of Shinglehouse, PA, High School, Class of 1939, and of St. Bonaventure College, Class of 1943, with a degree in Physics, and earned a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University in 1949. He served 30 years in the U.S. Army, with combat service in Gen. Patton's Third Army in Europe in 1944-45 and in Vietnam in 1967-68. He graduated from several Army schools, including the National War College in Washington, DC, Class of 1966. He commanded two batteries, two battalions, and a brigade, and served two tours on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon. His military decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with 2 clusters, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Purple Heart. Since retiring to South Carolina in 1973, he was twice President of the Pendleton Lions Club, twice President of the Piedmont Area Retired Officers Association, and was active in the Republican Party, serving several years as State Executive Committeeman for Anderson County. He wrote many letters to the editor on foreign policy or national defense issues and spoke to many civic clubs on such issues. He was a member of Pendleton United Methodist Church for several years and later of North Anderson Baptist Church.
Surviving are four daughters: Mrs. Jerry (Patricia) Hardy of Roanoke, VA; Ann Smith of Taylors, SC; Mrs. James (Victoria) Richberg of Anderson, SC; and Mrs. Brion (Susan) Holzberger, of Easley, SC; 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Roah Olmstead Smith; brother Deforest Smith, Jr., of Genessee, PA; and sister, Mrs. William (Bonnie) Burch of Hornell, NY.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 3, 2013, at North Anderson Baptist Church, 2308 N. Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621. Memorials may be made to the church or to a charity of one's choice.
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