STANDISH- Earl Ray Smith, 90, of Standish, Maine, passed away on December 1, 2021, at his home. He was born on August 13, 1931, son of Guy M. and Bertha (Lajoie) Smith of Standish.
After graduating from Standish High School in 1950, Ray met and married his wife of 69 years, Althea Kendrick Smith. They had 5 children: Pamela Smith Peiffer and husband Larry of Standish; Joyce Smith Durkin of Saco; Michael Smith of Buxton; Timothy Smith of Standish; and Patrick Smith, deceased.
Ray was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he went to work for Hannaford Brothers driving tractor trailers until 1966. He then built and opened his own business, Ray’s Garage, Auto Repair and Service, in Bar Mills, Maine. Ray retired in 1994, for health reasons. Today, the business is owned and operated by his son, Michael.
Ray was a member of The American Legion of Gorham; a member of The Masonic Blue Lodge of Buxton; a 32nd Degree Mason of Portland; a member of Kora Shriners of Lewiston; a Life Member of the Buxton Hollis Rod and Gun Club; a member of the Southern Maine Beagle Club; a member of S.A.M. Augusta; a member of O.E.S of Buxton.
He is survived by his wife, 2 daughters and 2 sons; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and 1 great- great grandchild; and a sister, Joan Petrizzo; many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his son, Patrick; his mom and dad; two brothers, Phil and Gordon; two sisters, Barb and Ida.
Visitation will be on Thursday Dec. 9, from 2 - 3 PM, immediately followed by Masonic Honors and a service at 3 PM at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton. A celebration of Life with Military Honors at Maplewood Cemetery in the spring. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, Poitras, www.mainefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Saint Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105
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