Age 88 went home to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on June 16, 2013. Ray was born on December 29, 1924 in Minneapolis, the youngest of four children. He graduated from Washburn High School in Minneapolis in December, 1942, and attended classes at the University of Minnesota until he enlisted in the Army in June, 1943, as an Infantryman. After his initial training period, he was assigned to the 75th Infantry Division, a National Guard division based in New York, where he attended classes at New York City College prior to his European deployment. His unit was deployed in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, and fought in the Central Europe campaign and the Rhineland Campaign. For his meritorious service he received the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in February 1946, having achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant. Upon return home to Minneapolis, Ray completed his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1949 at the University of Minnesota and began working for Delco Radio in Kokomo, Indiana. In 1952, he began a career at 3M in St. Paul that spanned 34 yrs, retiring in 1986. Ray is preceded in death by parents: Raymond Sr. and Olive Smith, sister Maryan, brother Milton, grandson Noah, and his beloved wife Marilyn (Molly) who passed in 2009. He is survived by his brother Donald (Morristown, NJ), son Woody (Sherry), daughter Raun, and sons Rolland (Angela), Nathan (Laura) and Goodrich (Maureen), as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat, Lily. The family will receive friends at the JOHNSON-PETERSON FUNERAL HOME, Hwy 61 & 2nd St., White Bear Lake Wednesday June 19th from 5-7 pm, with a memorial service at 7 pm. Private Family Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Minnesota Humane Society at mnhumane.org.