Oscar Ray Smith Jr.

Oscar Ray Smith, Jr., known to everyone as Ray, passed away on June 4, 2026. He was 87 years old. Born on October 12, 1938, in Rainelle, West Virginia, Ray lived a life of remarkable breadth — shaped by discipline, education, and decades of work that took him across the Southeast and around the world.

At the age of fifteen, Ray enrolled at Greenbrier Military School, graduating in 1956. The experience instilled in him a sense of structure and purpose that would guide the rest of his life. He went on to study at the University of Florida before transferring to Mercer University in Atlanta, where he continued his education. He later earned two graduate degrees from Georgia State University, one in hospital administration and one in accounting — credentials that launched a distinguished professional career.

Ray's career carried him to Atlanta, Chattanooga, West Palm Beach, and New Orleans. He spent nine formative years in Saudi Arabia and it was there that he met the love of his life, Clare. They eventually settled in a beautiful home on Old Hickory Lake in Nashville.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Clare Thomson-Smith. He is survived by his son, David Keith Smith.

Ray was a man of wide experience and quiet determination. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his dry humor, and the warmth he showed to those fortunate enough to know him well.