Ray Smith Obituary

Heidi, George and Angela:
Thank you for taking care of Dad these last two years. We appreciate beyond words what you did for him. All three of you are in our prayers daily.
Susan

We are very sad to hear about Ray. He belonged to our Dolphin Toastmasters Club for many years. I always looked forward to hearing his speeches and also his evaluations. Ray was very fluent and we nicknamed him, "the wordsmith" because his vocabulary was very expanded and upbeat. We knew that when Ray was in attendance at our meetings, we would have a great day!! We were saddened when he had to drop out to care for his dad. We are deeply saddened now to hear he is gone. But we rejoice to know he is with his Lord and our Father. May the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you at this time of sorrow. Ray will always be close as a memory and the God of all comfort is always as close as a prayer.


I came upon this poem and wanted to share it with you.
Miss Me, But Let Me Go
Author Unknown

When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little—but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that was once shared.
Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the master’s plan, a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know.
Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

Theresa Patterson Dinius
President, Dolphins #3170
Toastmasters Area 12 Governor
District 58, Toastmasters International

To Heidi and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

We will always remember Ray as a faithful member and elder of Charleston Harbor Bible Church.

I am so sorry for your lost. I know
how much he will be missed. Heidi, he is with your mom and you know that made them happy. Love you

Some of my fondest memories at Charleston Harbor Bible Church include Ray Smith. He was always smiling and always joyful. He always made it a point to talk to me. I was away from the Lord for a few years and I know he joined my father in praying for me. He was truly a man of God and a "man after God's own heart". He will be greatly missed.

HEIDI, MY HEART IS HEAVY THINKING OF YOU FOR THE PASSING OF YOUR DAD WHO WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD. THERE ARE NO RIGHT WORDS TO SAY. I KNOW FOR SURE THAT YOUR MOM WAS THERE WAITING TO GREET YOUR DAD AS HE PASSED. I CAN JUST SEE THEM NOW, HAPPY TO BE WITH EACH OTHER FOR ETERNITY. THOUGH THEY ARE NOT HERE PHYSICALLY ON EARTH, THEY WILL FOREVER BE IN YOUR HEART FILLING IT WITH LOVE AND MEMORIES. I SO WISH I COULD BE THERE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME, AND KNOW THAT I AM IN HEART. PLS GIVE ANGELA A BIG HUG FROM ME, AND TELL HER THE SAME FOR YOU. TOMORROW, AUSTIN AND I WILL BUY SOME WHITE BALLOONS AND FIND A SPECIAL PLACE TO LET THEM GO UP TO YOUR MOM AND DAD. OUR DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
LOVE YOU BUNCHES!
your friend,
cindy blevins

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007