Raymond R. Smith, 97, of Lititz, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Lancaster Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Born in Lebanon, he was the son of the late Edmund Ned and Irene Estelle (Shepps) Smith.

Married while he was in the Navy during World War II, Ray shared 75 years of marriage with his wife Doris C. (Thomas) Smith.

Ray graduated from Lebanon High School, and then enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. His service stations included the Naval Training Station at Newport, Rhode Island, Patrol Wing Five Headquarters Squadron, FIT Air Wing Five Headquarters Squadron, Headquarters Five-Two, the USS Charger (CVE-30) Escort Class Aircraft Carrier, the USS Boxer (CV-21) Essex Class Aircraft Carrier, and Carrier Air Service Unit 23. He obtained the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class, and was discharged in 1948.

After the war, Ray worked at the Ore Concentrator Plant in Lebanon. He then worked at Wilbur Chocolate Company in Lititz for over 30 years, retiring in 1989 as a lab technician.

Ray and Doris enjoyed travelling around the United States. He was an avid Penn State and Warwick High School sports fan. Ray walked several miles every day, he threw darts, played cards, enjoyed listening to big band music, and he had a great sense of humor.

A devoted family man, Ray is survived by his loving wife Doris, their son, Richard R. Smith, husband of Audrey of South Carolina, daughter, Candace C. "Candy", wife of Gary Meck of Lititz; and seven grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim, Chet, and Tom, and his sisters, Meg, Evelyn, and Sara.

Private inurnment with military honors will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.