Raymond Austin Smith

Raymond Austin Smith, born March 13, 1927, and died October 20, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 97. 

 He is survived by his two daughters, Gloria Moore and Karen Ducar; son-in-law, Dan Ducar; grandson, Austin Ducar; granddaughters, Ashley Moore, Chelsea Leonard; son-in-law, Jeffrey Leonard; great granddaughter, Emily Leonard; and his partner of 11 years, Doreen Brooks, as well as extended family and friends. 

 Ray was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, where he attended Plainfield high school. He planned to attend College in New Mexico to study to be a History teacher. Instead, at 17 years old, as a senior in high school, he enlisted in the Navy. He served two years at the end of WWII and 7 years in the reserves. In 1950, he met Margery Downs at a carnival, and they married a year later. With the help of his next-door neighbor and brother-in law, Charlie (married to Marge’s sister), built his first home in Middlesex, New Jersey. Ray and Marge raised their two daughters, Gloria and Karen, in that loving home. They shared so many good times, such as sitting around the picnic table, sharing thanksgiving dinner with their extended family, building snowmen and forts and Ice skating on the nearby lake in the winter. 

 Ray worked at Union Carbide chemical company for 43 years, where he managed a large team as a maintenance superintendent. At 58 years old, he took early retirement. At that time, they became “snowbirds”, where they lived 6 months in Rockledge, Florida and 6 months in New Jersey. Several years later, they sold their New Jersey home and had a home built in Melbourne Florida, where they spent many wonderful years with family and good friends. They spent their time active in their church, golfing, bowling, boating (when the boat wasn’t broken down) as well as taking cruises and vacationing in Las Vegas. As they got older and Margery became ill, they moved to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to their daughters and other relatives. 

 Several years after Marge passed, Ray met his next love, Doreen Brooks. They spent over 11 years together, socializing at VFW, American Legion And the Moose Lodge or at Doreen’s house, where she cooked him wonderful meals and enjoyed their companionship. That loving relationship lasted until his death at 97 years old. 

 What Karen and Gloria remember most about their dad is his dependable, loving nature, kindness and supportive advice, when needed and enjoying quality family gatherings over the years. Ray loved woodworking and rebuilding things. He especially would find broken bikes and vacuum cleaners and restore them to working order. He spent summer breaks sharing that love especially, with his granddaughter Chelsea (where she remembers learning her construction skills) and also spending time with his other grandchildren and great granddaughter. He was a warm and loving “pop-pop”. 

 The main thing they remember about Ray is that he always kept busy and loved to keep up with his yard and home. As he aged, he truly enjoyed sitting in his screened-in porch, reading his newspaper, doing the crossword puzzle, while drinking his morning coffee and watching the turtles, birds and geese that came to his small pond behind his house. 

 As a father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ray was a wonderful role model instilling family values, hard work and respect. They couldn’t have asked for a better parent, grandfather, and great grandfather and will miss Ray every day. His memory and example will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

 A Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 12:00 pm in Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home, followed by a Inurnment at H. Warren Smith Cemetery, 1538 North 2nd Ave, Jacksonville Beach, (corner Beach Blvd & Penman Rd ). Friends and family are invited to attend a reception at the American Legion Post 129, 1151 S. 4th St. Jacksonville Beach. 

 In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity