Raymond G."Ray" Smith, 85, Minot, formerly of the Deering area, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

Raymond was born Oct. 4, 1923, at rural Deering, the son of Merle and Mathilda (Simmons) Smith. He was raised on the family farm in Saline Township near Deering and educated at Saline Township schools. He entered into active duty service with the Army on Oct. 31, 1945, and was stationed at Batanges Luzon in the Philippines during World War II. He received his honorable discharge in November of 1946 and returned to North Dakota.

Ray was united in marriage to Ramona C. Swartwout on June 19, 1948, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot. They made their home in Deering for a number of years while he was employed with Standard Oil Co., serving as an agent in Deering until 1966. The family moved to Everett, Wash., for a short time, where Ray was employed with Walt's Mobile Service. They returned to Deering in 1967. Ray was employed by the Deering Elevator, Loren Andreson Farms, and later by Minot Air Force Base. In 1979, Ray and Ramona moved to Minot. Ray retired as a civilian mechanic at Minot Air Force Base in March of 1986. After retiring, he enjoyed part-time work on the Jere Varberg farm.

Ray was a member of the Deering Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 155 of Granville, and the Minot Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 753.

Ray enjoyed woodworking, and going to craft shows with Ramona. He enjoyed watching baseball on television and especially watching his grandsons on their little league teams up to American Legion. Ray was a proud veteran and very patriotic to his country. He loved playing cards. Ray especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His wit, charm, loyalty and humor will be deeply missed by all.

His loving family includes: wife of 61 years, Ramona; children, Don Smith, Minot, Ron (Valerie) Smith, Minot, Steven R. (Carol) Smith, Minot, Pam Forness and her special friend, Rick Turner, Poulsbo, Wash., Lori (Ronald) Heinze, Surrey; grandchildren, Jennifer McClain, Derek (Aili) Smith, Monica (Donny) March, Kyle Heinze, Dylan Heinze, Trevor Heinze, Dustin Smith, and Shawn Smith; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Trey and Preston McClain; Logan Weber and Autumn Noni March; Makiah Heinze and Bram Smith; brothers and sisters, Omar (Betty) Smith, Curt (MarvaDeane) Smith, Rodney (MaryAnne) Smith, all Minot; Erma Kitzman, Minot, Justice Pfeiffer, McMinnville, Ore., and Vera (Pete) Peterson, Bismarck; sisters-in-law, Geri Smith, Burlington, and Miriam Smith, New Port Richey, Fla.; brothers-in-law, John Weber, Mill Creek, Wash., and LaVern (Charlotte) Swartwout, Minot; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Melvin (Bud) Smith and Duane (Dewey) Smith; sisters, Audrey Smith and Lorraine Grilley; and son-in-law, Greg Forness.

Funeral service: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at 2 p.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Friday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m. in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan.

Visitation: Today, Aug. 5, from 2 to 7 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: Raymond and Nonie loved baseball and because of that the family asks that memorials be given to the Surrey Blue Sox so that future generations have a chance to play America's greatest pastime.

Those wishing to sign the online memorial or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).