Raymond “Ray” Eugene Smith, 85

October 17, 2025

Beloved Husband, Father, Papa, and Friend

Raymond “Ray” Eugene Smith, a devoted husband, loving father and papa, community leader, and friend to many, passed away on October 17th, 2025. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Edna (Thordahl) Smith, for 65 wonderful years.

Ray is also survived by his daughters Melinda (James) Ellis of Maysville, GA, Pamela (Michael) Gillum of Lakeland, FL, and Candace (Kenneth) Ord of Landisville, PA; and his cherished grandchildren who were the lucky ones to call him “Papa Bzz”; Nichole Baer, Peter (Sarah) Ellis, Zachary Ellis, Glenn (Brittany) Ellis, Cassidy (John) Burke, Mackenzie (Joshua) Pasek, Olivia (Mario) Cannone, and Michael Ord; and seven great grandchildren Hudson, Lilianna, Uriah, Thorin, Seth, Morgan, and Aurora; and his brother, Carl Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dorris Smith and five of his siblings. His family was his greatest joy, and the quiet strength of his love filled every room he entered, a legacy that will live on in the hearts and memories of those he cherished most.

A man deeply rooted in faith and community, Ray served as President, Elder, and Financial Secretary at Immanuel Lutheran Church. His dedication extended far beyond the church walls—he was Township Supervisor of the Dayton Highway Department, served on the Board of Directors at the Tri County Country Club, and was President of the Cattaraugus County Town Highway Superintendents’ Association (CCTHSA).

Ray had a heart for giving. He volunteered at a concession stand at the Buffalo Bills Rich Stadium to raise funds for Immanuel Christian School and founded the Christmas Gifts for Foster Children donation program through the CCTHSA. He was also a dedicated volunteer for the New York State Developmental Group Home leading Sunday worship for the residents and staff.

He was a proud homesteader who made his own maple syrup, strawberry jelly, and wine. He tended to his vegetable and flower garden with care, generously giving away the fresh vegetables to friends and neighbors. An avid outdoorsman, Ray loved hunting, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling with the Snow Bugs of Cottage, NY. He was awarded the New York State Big Buck Club membership.

Ray had many interests—cheering for the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees, playing the spoons, dancing, and listening to country music. He proudly celebrated his heritage as a 12th generation Mayflower descendant. Ray loved to share his faith and speak openly about his Lord and Savior, inspiring others through his words and example. Known for his warm smile and impressive collection of hats, Ray welcomed everyone like an old friend.

A graduate of Gowanda Central High School, class of 1959, he was a three-sport varsity letterman and later a Little League umpire, he cherished sports and the camaraderie that came with them.

Above all, Ray will be remembered for his love of family, his unwavering faith, his generous spirit, and the joy he brought to every room.

A Celebration of Life for Ray will be held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 308 Petersburg Road, Lititz, PA 17543 on Tuesday, October 21st at 11:00 AM, with visitation at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow. An additional Celebration of Life service will be held in Western New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities:

Cattaraugus County Town Highway Supervisors Association
Attn: Jason Pearl
PO Box 147
Little Valley, New York 14755
Memo Line: Christmas Gifts for Foster Children

Immanuel Lutheran Church
40 South Chapel Street
Gowanda, NY 14070

Faith Lutheran Church
4005 Palm Drive
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
308 Petersburg Road
Lititz, PA 17543

Ray’s legacy of faith, love, laughter, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.