Ray Smith, 1934-2020

Robert C. “Ray” Smith, 86, of Lake Wales passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020 at the Winter Haven Health and Rehab Center.

He was born April 11, 1934 in Oneida, NY, to the late Clarence and Pauline Smith. He moved to Lake Wales from Akron, NY five years ago. Ray was a retired teacher for Pembroke Central School. He attended First Baptist Church of Lake Wales. Ray was a long time member of First United Methodist Church in Akron, NY, a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Akron, and a member of the New Stead Historical Society. He was an avid baseball fan, except for the Yankees.

Ray was preceded in death by two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy Smith; daughters, Shari Kirsch (Roy) of Lake Wales, Shelly Meissner (Arden) of Richmond, Virginia, and Susan Vaillancourt of Lake Wales; son, Scott Smith of Lake Wales; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Memorial service will be held in Akron, New York. Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales is handling arrangements.