Walter "Ray" Smith, 78 of Milton, FL passed away on March 4th, 2014 after a brief illness.
Ray was born in Adrian, GA on October 29, 1935. He joined the Navy in 1959 and served for 28 years. It was during his time in Lemore, California that he met his soon to be wife, LauraLee. She and Ray married and had three children, Delila, Stephanie and Walter.
Ray retired from the Navy in 1982 and made Pensacola home. He later worked at NADEP for several years until his final retirement in 1994. He graduated with a Management degree from Troy State University. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Old Antartica Explorers.
After his retirement, Ray enjoyed visiting the town and the family that he loved so much in Georgia. He also enjoyed spending time working with his antique cars and gardening as well as spending time with family and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife, LauraLee Smith and his grandson, Michael Lee Hancock, Jr.
He is survived by his son, Walter R. Smith Jr. of Pensacola; his daughter, Stephanie Smith of Milton and daughter and son-in-law, Delila and Mike Hancock of Milton. He is also survived by grandchildren, Amber Smith, Haley Hancock and Heath Hancock; as well as a great-granddaughter, Leiana Hawkins; and special friend, Kathryn Thomas. Also surviving Mr. Smith are his sisters, Louise Connell and Elaine Hooker, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Services will be held on Friday, March 7 at Bayview Fisher-Pou on Scenic Highway. Visitation will begin at 9 am with graveside services following at 10 am. Pallbearers will be Mike Hancock, Heath Hancock, Lewis Martin, Wayne Cohron, Ralph Vedder and Art Hooker.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Nashed , Michelle with Peoples Home Health and to Covenant Hospice for the loving care they showed for our dad in his final months of life.
BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 19, 2014
Linda Foley
The world lost a wonderful man and an excellent gentleman when we lost Mr. Ray. He was a very special friend to our family and we all loved him as though he was family. He will truly be missed. Our heart are with his children.Love , Linda Foley
March 9, 2014
Wendy Booze Eacret
Delila, Stephanie, and Walter,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for all of you during this difficult time.
March 8, 2014
Although I never met Walter, as a fellow member of the local OAEA, he was once suggested to me as a person who might give me a ride to Pensacola to attend (some)meetings. Having read so many wonderful things about him here, I regret now that we never got to meet.
Gerrie Collins
Milton
March 7, 2014
Keith Lockhart
Stephanie,
Praying for you and your family during one of the most difficult parts of life.
March 6, 2014
Mike Cline
Delila
Thoughts and Prayers in Your time of Loss
March 6, 2014
Pete Burkett montgomery, al
March 6, 2014
Max Miller
"Smitty"... as I have always called/known him... was one of those few special people in my life that I can count as "A Best Friend"! Smitty and I served on the USS Enterprise back in the early 1980's... where we became very close friends and have stayed in touch ever since with occasional visits and phone calls! I thank God for putting Smitty in my life's path!
Thanks for your friendship Smitty... will see you soon!
My sympathy and prayers go out to all of the family and friends!
Max Miller (MCPO USN Ret.) Memphis TN
March 6, 2014
Lisa Hilburn-Tipton c/o WHS 83
Delila,
I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
March 5, 2014
Pam Landy
Though the Old Antarctic Explorers Assn, we had the pleasure of meeting Walter,he was a sweet caring man, always with a smile on his face, I know he is sitting with other squadron shipmates, tipping a few.
I will miss your smiling face......
March 5, 2014
Maggie Brady
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 5, 2014
J.R. Woods
I sure am going to miss my loving cusin
March 5, 2014
Ray was a great guy and he will be missed. Billy-Ace Penguin Baker
March 5, 2014
A fine man has left us and is with past friends and relatives.We were friends with Walter for 48 years and will miss him dearly.
Bill & Mary Fazio
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Funeral services provided by:
Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel & Bayview Memorial Park3351 Scenic Highway 90E, Pensacola, FL 32503
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