Edward Raymond “Ray” Smith

Edward Raymond Smith of Pendleton, Oregon passed away on July 29, 2024 in Pendleton at the age of 90.
Ray was born February 10, 1934 in Dimmitt, Texas to Claude Vestel Smith and Alline Rosamond (Smith) Smith. He was the oldest of 4 children: brothers Bob and Jim; and sister Nancy. During Ray’s youth the family lived in Weed, California; Ventura, California; Hereford, Texas; Twickenham, Mitchell, and Sutherlin, Oregon before making their home in Pendleton, Oregon. Growing up Ray helped his dad work the family farm, even driving tractor at the age of 8. While living in Sutherlin, Ray’s dad started a logging business and thus began Ray’s love for logging.
Ray served in the Oregon National Guard from April 1952 until June 1954 when he joined the Marines until 1957. Ray served an additional 2 years in the National Guard from 1963-65.
In 1960 Ray married Josephine Deardorff of Pendleton. They raised 3 children; a daughter Mal, and sons Claude and Rod. 
Ray worked for various logging outfits as a faller or operating heavy machinery. In the mid 70’s Ray left logging and began working for the Pendleton Sanitary Service driving truck and operating the landfill where he again drove a cat. Some summers Ray would work a second job driving wheat truck for family friends in Helix, Gale Wagner and Calvin Spratling. 
Ray also gave his time to serve as a Scout Master and loved teaching the boys about the outdoors. He was an active member of the LDS church and served in many positions.
In November 2019 Ray lost the love of his life, Jo to cancer. After this his health began to decline. On July 29, 2024 Ray passed away at the age of 90. He is survived by his children; Mal (Kone) Hancock, Claude (Donella) Smith, and Rod Smith (Ilean Fuller); a brother Jim Smith; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Bob, and sister Nancy.
Services will be August 9, 2024 at the LDS church in Pendleton at 11:00 am.