Donald Smith

Donald Ray Smith In Loving MemoryJuly 6, 1926 ~ April 5, 2009 Donald Ray Smith, son of Harry Melroy Smith and Bessie Lee Dorton, has entered the eternities to experience the anticipated peace and beautiful reunion he is now enjoying. Known by his family as Grampy and the rest of the world as Ray, he will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a loving, compassionate, loyal and deeply patriotic servant of the Lord. Ray was born in Lakin, Kansas and moved to Provo, Utah as a child during The Depression, An event that would shape the course of Rays life was his service in World War II. He enlisted in the Army at the age of eighteen and spent the next two and half years in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Ray was a member of Company C, 130th Infantry, 33rd Infantry Division, and served with great pride during numerous campaigns. Among many honors for his military service, Ray received the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Presidential Unit Citation, and the Bronze Star. When Ray returned home from the War, he met the first love of his life, Margaret (Margie) Evelyn Graves. They were married May 22, 1947, in Reno, NV and solemnized on February 6, 1993 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. After Margies passing in 1999, Ray met and married the second love of his life, Zelma Beth Allred , May 2, 2000. In Rays words, Beth was just what Margie ordered. Beths never-ending care for Ray is a gift the family will be eternally grateful for. Ray was a very positive, energetic and talented man who freely gave of his resources to bless the lives of others. Ray was employed at Interstate Motor Lines (IML) and was a very courteous and safe man who drove a truck for 33 years. Rays greatest joy was when he was re-finishing upholstery in antique cars. Rays upholstery talents were immeasurable and renowned, earning him many prestigious awards. His antique cars appeared in parades, movies, commercials and were used to transport civic and church leaders at various events. Ray was a judge at several antique car shows, among them the annual Concours d'Elegance in Salt Lake City, UT. Ray took great pride in his antique cars and was always willing to share his knowledge of the industry with others. Ray was a very gentle but passionate man regarding his country, family and religion. He was a very social individual who could strike up a conversation with a stranger and before long have a life long friend. He was blessed with great people skills and was truly loved by the young children in his life. Ray served in various church callings including 1st counselor in the bishopric, ward executive secretary, and ward librarian. Ray is survived by his wife, Beth; children: Lynda Smith, Susie (Rick) Wilkins, Ken (Laurie) Smith; 3 step sons: W. Clay Brcko, Leslie J. Brcko, Richard A. Brcko; brothers: Bud (Sharon) Smith and Claude (Marsha) Smith; grandchildren: Kelly (Brooke) Wilkins, Kari (Chris) Cox, Todd Wilkins; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Margie; son, Donald Ray Jr. parents, Harry and Bessie; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Funeral services will be held Sat., April 11, 2009, 11:00 am at the Taylorsville 19th Ward, 2030 W Chateau Ave. (5250 S), Taylorsville, UT. Friends may call Fri., April 10, 2009, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT and Sat. at the church, 10:00-10:45 am prior to services. Burial will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT. The family would like to thank all medical care professionals at the IMC and care center facilities.