RTB Major Ray Smith
Greenville, SC – Marine Corps Major Ray Fischel Smith, retired, 91, of Greenville, husband of Nell Smith, died at home on Friday, October 30, 2020. Ray went to Vietnam as a major with HMM-265 on USS Boxer in April, 1966. His quiet leadership and command presence inspired respect from all of those around him. Good man, good stick, good Marine.
Born in Pelion, SC he was a son of the late Quincy and Lessie Smith.
Major Smith served his country for 20 years as an aviator, fighting in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. During his time, he received 14 Air Medals for meritorious achievement and awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.
Major Smith was a member of Frances Asbury United Methodist Church.
In addition to his loving wife of 62 years he is survived by his son, Scott Bradford Smith; daughter, Lisa Henderson Smith; three grandchildren, Hayden Henderson (Natalie), Logan Henderson, and Ashlee Smith;two great-grandchildren, Blaire Heffner and Ryder Milligan; and three nephews, Brian Smith, Craig Smith, and Charles Martin.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Q. B. Smith; and his sister, Charlotte Martin.
Although no formal Receiving of Friends was held, friends were allowed pay their respects Monday, November 2, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. A service was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in the Downtown Chapel at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home. Burial followed at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Condolences and “Hugs From Home” may be left for the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
[Published at legacy.com]