Raymond Smith

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, fishin...[more]

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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.