Raymond "Larry" Smith, 78, of Oxford, passed away suddenly on 5/21/2024 after a long and fulfilling life. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and was a proud Marine who served his country with honor and distinction. After his military service, he worked in construction, installing U.S. Route and Interstate signs throughout the Northeast and Puerto Rico. After sustaining a career-ending injury, Ray went to college. He attended SUNY Morrisville and obtained a degree in Automotive Technology. While attending college, maintained a 4.0 average, which landed him on the President's List. After graduating college, he opened R&C Auto Repair on North Canal Street in Oxford. Thirty-one years later, he sold R&C and followed his passion for auto racing through his nephews and great-nephew. Ray raced snowmobiles, placing first 55 times. He then moved to a warmer sport, Mud Racing in the Mud Toad. He traveled up and down the East Coast with his friends, who were like his family, to attend NASCAR racing events. He loved his racing family and would talk about them with great reverence. Especially Buddy Baker, Eddie Baxter, and Jim “Toad” Blackman. His Auburn Mist Blue 1957 Pontiac Star Chieftain was his pride and joy. It placed 1st in almost every show he attended. It was even a New York State Fair best in show winner and made the cover of Old Cars January 27, 2011 (Vol. 40, No.2). The Oxford Falcon Pop Warner Team he coached in the early 80’s beat undefeated Walton. He made friends wherever he went and was known as a kind and humorous soul who loved to share stories. Ray had a unique outlook on life, always seeing the alternate view in every situation. He was always willing to help others see things from a different angle or perspective, often offering a fresh and insightful take on matters. He loved hunting, snowmobiling, and warming up in establishments off the beaten path, and he enjoyed sharing his experiences with those around him. Ray's devotion to his family was unparalleled. As a father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, he loved deeply and cared for almost everyone who passed through his life. His grumpiness was merely a testament to his deep-rooted love and concern. His family was his world, and he was always there to lend a helping hand, no matter the circumstances. Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Catherine Stevenson-Smith; his children, Shawn Smith (Stephanie Rice), Loretta R. Smith-Tallon (Scott Tallon), Catherine "Megan" Smith-Lawson (Thomas Lawson); his grandchildren, Zachary Smith (Tiffany White-Smith), Emily Smith, Damon Maricle (Sarah Pratt-Maricle), Sean Smith, Caitlin Tallon, Karissa "Kay" Maricle, Cara "Rae" Tallon, Cole Lawson, Connor Tallon, Landin Maricle, Garrett Lawson; his great-grandchild; Aiden Ray Smith; his siblings, Gordon "Gordie" Smith (Sharon Winans), Edwin "Tiger' Smith, Jerry Smith (Elaine Bradley-Smith), Lana Shaver-Whaley; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Ray was predeceased by his parents, Gordon Smith (Norma Oliver-Smith) and Louise Boyd-Shaver (George Shaver); his siblings, Carol Smith-Simpson (Grover Simpson) and Beverly "Bubbles" Smith-Oles (Richard “Dick” Oles); Lori Shaver-Bentley,and his great-grandson, Oliver Smith. Calling hours will be held at Behe's funeral home on 5/28/2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend and share their memories of Ray. Instead of flowers, please make donations to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: https://www.mcsf.org/ Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the memories he created. Rest in peace, dear friend, father, brother, and Marine. Semper Fideli
