Raymond Philip Smith, 77, of Plainfield, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021. On February 19, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, Ray was born to the late Philip Smith and Delia (Spoth) Smith. He was raised on the family farm milking cows and tending to the crops. He graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1967 and Indiana University in 1987 with an MBA. He was a lifetime employee (38 years) of General Motors/Allison Transmission, which moved him from Buffalo to Detroit and eventually Indianapolis. While in Indianapolis, he raised his family with his bride Linda in Brownsburg for over 30 years and was an actively involved member of its community and St. Malachy Catholic Church.
Ray's life was defined by the people he loved and supported. He started his "Service to Others" with his bride Linda (Gehl) as they fostered numerous children, and now his children also continue caring for foster kids as a legacy to their upbringing. After the foster children, Ray and Linda raised 5 children he loved and nurtured as parents, but as importantly an active member of their interests' as a football coach, softball coach, nursery, and youth group leader. Being involved in his children's upbringing was outstanding. Still, it wasn't enough for Ray as he also volunteers in children's lives outside of his kids in Junior Achievement to the inner city where he was famous for teaching the kids how to save money; his secret was don't drink, don't smoke, save it and let it compound.
Ray maintained his passion for "Service to Others" by volunteering as a free tax consultant and CPA, Habitat for Humanity, Riley Hospital for Children, Foster Child Advocate (CASA), and St. Vincent de Paul. Ray can say that he gave his blood, sweat, and tear to be in the "Service of Others" as he also donated over 5 gallons of blood. Ray loved to work, and he did everything for the glory of God, so he would pick jobs that no one else wanted as he knew those jobs needed to be done.
Ray leaves behind a legacy of Faith, Family, and Community. He always encouraged people to leave these areas in a better place than when they arrived. Ray leaves behind the love of his life of 54 years, Linda, his 5 children: Douglas Smith, Jennifer Alston, Matthew Smith, Dianna Rains, and Rachel Smith, his 11 grandchildren: Abigail Dragon, Jodeci Alston, Jaylen Alston, Hannah Smith, Justin Turner, Nathan Smith, Wes Rains, Jackson Rains, Makenna Rains, Ryan Smith, and Bentley Smith, and his great-granddaughter: Isabella Ashton.
Instead of flowers, please donate to Sheltering Wings www.shelteringwings.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/ , scroll down to do a tribute Gift in Memory of Ray Smith.
Visitation will be from 4-7pm Thursday October 14, at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Funeral Mass will be held at 10am Friday October 15 at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Malachy West Cemetery.