W. Ray Smith

William Ray Smith, 84, of New Philadelphia, O., formerly of Canton, O., died Friday, January 8, 2010 at Country Club Medical Center in Dover, O.

Born July 28, 1925 in Canton, O., he was a son of the late Thomas Allen and Margaret Ann (Cross) Smith.

On September 6, 1953, he married the former Emily Marie Ferris with whom he enjoyed nearly fifty years of marriage until her passing just two days short of their anniversary on September 4, 2003. They are survived by a daughter, Jackie Pasquinelli and her husband, Stephen, of Wainwright; three grandchildren: Stephen Pasquinelli, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth, of Gnadenhutten, Patrick Pasquinelli and his wife, Heather, of Kimbolton, and Aimee Pasquinelli of Wainwright; and seven great grandchildren, Tyler Feutz, Alexis Pasquinelli, Jordan Walters, Chase Peoples, Ryan Peoples, Princess Pasquinelli, and Jack Matthew Pasquinelli.

Ray is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and Jack Smith, in addition to his wife and parents.

Ray grew up in the Canton area where he attended Lincoln High School until leaving school to join the U.S. Coast Guard, serving his country during World War II. Later, he completed his education and obtained an associates degree from Kent State University.

He worked for several Canton area retail businesses as a credit manager before retiring from Canton City Schools. He was a member of the McKinley Eagles Chapter in Canton and enjoyed reading in his spare time.

A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Sue Koenig, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 11, in West Lawn Cemetery in Canton. Those wishing to honor Ray’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Schoenbrunn Moravian Church.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com