December 6, 2022, 95, Goldsboro –

Having lived a long and fruitful life, C. Ray Smith passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the age of 95. Ray was born in Wayne County to the late W. Luby Smith and Dora Worrell Smith on December 20, 1926. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Lucille Hare Smith; sister, Blanche S. Anderson; and brothers, William A. Smith, Charles S. Smith and David H. Smith.

Faithfully and valiantly serving our country, Ray was a soldier in the United States Army during World War II.

A lifetime farmer, Ray had a love for the land on which he lived and worked. Tending crops from seedtime ‘til harvest was a test of faith and skill as he meticulously planted, tilled, and fertilized while praying for the blessings of rain and good weather. In the slower seasons, Ray filled his time in carpentry, completing jobs for many family and friends.

A faithful and dedicated member of Woods Grove P.F.W.B. Church, Ray participated in the many ministries of the church to show his love for Christ and others through service.

A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Barry Teague and Rev. Arthur Warren officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall of Woods Grove P.F.W.B. Church. Ray will be lying in state at Seymour Funeral Home on Monday, December 12, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ray is survived by his special friends and neighbors, Bill and Sandy Lee; several nieces and nephews he loved very much as well as many other neighbors and friends that did so much for him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ray’s memory to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 [email protected]

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.