Ray Owen Smith, son of Owen Otto "Deacon" and Reva Bernadine (Louthan) Smith, was born in Chester, OK on April 14, 1943 and departed from this life January 14, 2022 at the Seiling Hospital at the age of 78 years, 9 months. Ray grew up south of Seiling on the homestead and attended first grade through the twelfth grade at Seiling Public Schools and graduating with the class of 1961.

In 1961 Ray joined the United States Army and served our country as a sergeant until 1964. He was very proud to have served his country. On August 28, 1964 Ray was united in marriage to Sandra Thomsen. They established their first home in Seiling, later moving to the ranch in the Lenora Community. To this union two sons were born, Rhett and Spencer.

Ray served on many boards including, Northwest Electric Coop from April 1988 to January 2022, Western Farmers from April 2001 to January 2022, New Mexico Rural Electric Coop Association for approximately ten years and the Taloga School Board. Over the years he received many awards for his service and achievements.  The trips he enjoyed and many friendships he gained was one of his biggest rewards.

Ray worked in the oilfield as a pumper for EEC Production, Eland Energy and CBS Production and as a relief pumper for D & J Oil.  You could also find him working on the ranch alongside his granddaughter Raylynn. If those two weren't building fence, killing snakes or doing chores he would be attending her school activities. He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed visits with the two great grandsons. He could always make your day by the stories he shared.

Ray aka "Old Man" was easy to recognize with his sauntering walk, the tilt of his hat or cap and that slow grin, once you met him he was unforgettable. He had the biggest heart and taught many friends and family life lessons through the years. We will all miss the text or calls he sent out on the big bedlam game "of course giving the OSU fans a hard time." He never missed texting or calling each and every one of us on all the holidays and birthdays every year. The Old Man will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Ray was blessed with two loves in his life. After the passing of his first wife Sandy in 2004, he met Ruth Fleming and they married on March 3, 2005. With this marriage he gained another son Sean Thomas.

He is preceded in death by his parents Deacon and Bernadine Smith, wife Sandy Smith and brother John Smith.

Those left to cherish his memories are wife Ruth Smith of the home; three sons Rhett Smith and wife Connie of Taloga, OK, Spencer Smith and wife Heather of Mansfield, TX and Sean Thomas and wife Bambi of Columbia City, IN; grandkids Raylynn Shoaf and husband Brycen of Taloga, OK, Katie and Evan Church of Mansfield, TX and Trinity Thomas of Columbia City, IN; two great grandsons Tyler and Traycen Shoaf of Taloga, OK; one sister Inez Sander and husband Lindy of Seiling, OK; sister-in-law Cindy Smith of Seiling, OK; nieces, nephews, other family and a Army of  friends.

The family would like to give an extended Thank You to the Community Ambulance Service who serves Seiling & Taloga, the Seiling Hospital and Staff and Dr. Duffy for all of your kind care during this time.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Community Ambulance Services serving Seiling & Taloga,

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859