"So sorry for your loss. God Bless you. "
In loving memory of
Raymond Smith
October 27, 2011
Memorials to the Knoxville Rescue Unit or the Kidney Foundation.
Raymond was born November 17, 1940 at home in rural Knoxville to Glenn and Anna Ellis Smith. He went to grade school at Scott Country School near Attica and then finished his education in Knoxville, graduating from Knoxville High School in 1959.
In 1961, Raymond and Kathleen Bankus were united in marriage. With this union, four children were born: Billy, Garla, Deanna and Donnie. Raymond and his family lived in Des Moines and Ankeny where he owned and operated his own concrete business. In 1974, he moved his family to Arispe, Iowa where he helped operate a cattle and grain operation. Then in 1976, they moved back to Knoxville where he purchased a family farm. Raymond farmed and worked as a foreman for several paving companies before retiring due to his health around 2000.
In 1989, Raymond and Sally began their courtship which lead to marriage on
December 27, 1999. Raymond and Sally enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, camping at the Iowa State Fair and especially just jumping in the car and taking road trips around the country.
Raymond loved the outdoors. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, western movies, cooking, and early morning coffee at the Columbia Store. Raymond was the epitome of a hard working man and took pride in that trait. He truly loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible.
Raymond fought a long hard battle of diabetes and heart disease. His love for his family and friends kept him fighting this battle until his tired body was laid to rest at the family farm on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents: Glenn and Anna (Ellis) Smith and a grandson, Christopher Comer.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Sally; children: Bill (Tami) Smith, Garla Comer, Deanna Wahl, and Donnie Smith; step sons: Doug (Kathy) Harrington and Greg (Kathy) Harrington; grandchildren: Tasha & Taylor Smith, Megan Comer & Marisa Lundy. Emma Donohue, Connor & Lily Wahl, Addyson Smith, Nicki (David) Rosas, Rebecca & Kaitlin Harrington, Ethan & Lucas Harrington; great grandchildren: Jayden & Elijah, Gabryielle & Graicee, and Layla. He is also survived by sisters: Beverly (Richard) Kading and Linda (Wayne) Roberts; and many nieces and nephews.
Tributes
"Sally, I also wanted to add that on many of our talks he also would say, 'Man I don't know how Sally put up with me." :) He loved you and the family dearly and that was just another reason I loved him too."
"I hope you are doing ok. I am sorry I did not make it to the funeral as I am having some issues with my mom as well. I just want you to know I am thinking of you and just seeing the picture of Raymond makes me smile. I will never forget our talks each day at CVC. He would con me into bringing him a Diet Pepsi and then we would sit in his office and talk... (one stubborn Italian to another). He was a great guy and always made me smile! He will be missed by many."
"Remembering back to High School Days;never in a class with Raymond but rode the school bus with him. He always seemed to enjoy life but I know he has worked to overcome obstickles of health. My sincere sympathy to his loved ones. May you dwell on all the blessings he was to you. /catherine (evans)musgrave/Okla City"
"I am sorry we never spent any time together as adults my cozen. But the memories of the times when we were children, especially the Easter dinners at Aunt Elizabeth's, will always remain in my memory. My condolences to your family. May they find peace knowing that you are with God and your Mom & Dad. Our love and Prayers go with you. Your Cozens, Mickey, Mary Jo, Sam, Betty, Vickey, Rosie & Julie"
"To Raymond,s family, We are so sorry for your lose. He will always be remembered as Salebarn Man. And the man who loved his bibs. We are holding a peaceful spot in our hearts for him. May you know that he is peaceful and loved you all. Dan & Ginny Hubler & family"
"I want the family to know how much Raymond meant to our family(Schrader's). It was like I always knew him....he was a wonderful man. He will be missed around town!! I will keep you all in my prayers!!"
"Raymond, his parents and siblings, lived across the field from my parents' farm in Knoxville Twp. during at least our high school years. I rode the school bus with Ray, his siblings and cousins. He was just a year ahead of me in high school so we saw each other around the halls of KHS. I always liked Ray and the members of the Glenn and Kenneth Smith families who were our neighbors. They are all very nice people. I still remember Ray in high school and the two '57 Chevrolets he had at that time. Several years ago I was driving by Ray and Sally's house and stopped to see Ray as we had not talked for many years. As it turned out we talked for a long time and he did not want me to end the visit as he was enjoying it so much. I said we would do it again. Well, regretfully, we never did do it again. Although, I did see him for a brief time this past summer after he had become seriously ill. I want to extend my condolences to all of Ray's family members. I am so sorry for your loss. Maurice "Moe" Wadle KHS Class of '60"