Ray Thomas Smith

Ray Thomas Smith, 87, of Morganton, NC passed away Monday, August 17, 2015 after a short illness.  Born in Burke County, NC on September 16, 1927, he was the son of the late Henry David Smith and Martha Jane Gurley Smith.  As a youth, Ray was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was later affiliated with Missionary Ridge Baptist Church.  He retired from Jobst Industries and had worked as a hosiery machinist at several local textile companies.  In his youth, Mr. Smith enjoyed spending time at the depot watching trains.  He was an avid reader and loved his family.

Ray is survived by his children, Michael R. Smith and his wife, Sandra, Helen Smith White and her husband, Willard, and Rebekah Rae Smith, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Brenda Smith Moser and her husband, Greg, and Bella Jenkins Sessoms and her husband, Mac; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Lane Smith; and a sister, Ruth Virginia Hamer.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church.  The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Christopher Dale officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church, 5612 John Watts Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.