Ray H. Smith 80, formerly of Whitman, died Tuesday April 15th in the South Shore Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband for 56 years to Phyllis E. (Petrila) Smith.
Born in Milton he was the son of the late Harold and Helen E. (Dennis) Smith.
He was raised in Braintree and a graduate of Braintree High where he was a student athlete having played basketball in three Tech Tourneys.
Ray was a resident of Whitman for 51 years before his move to Halifax 2 years ago.
He loved playing horseshoes, bowling, playing cards and bridge. He was a true sports fan and followed his children’s teams for many years. He was truly a kind and gentle man who loved his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children David H. Smith and his wife Claudia of Whitman, Russell B. Smith and his wife Carol of Plymouth, Nancy Long and her husband Edward of Hanover, Elizabeth DeGiorgis and her husband Enzo of Illinois, and Laurie Lefrancois and her husband Paul of Paxton, MA, his sisters Eleanor Wilcox and Natalie Neger both of Marshfield. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
His services will be held Saturday April 19th at 11 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary circle) Whitman. Burial will follow in the Colebrook Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Friday April 18th from 4-8 PM. Donations in his name may be made to Anna Marie Cancer Fund, Box 56 Barre, MA 01005