Ray Franklin Smith

Funeral services for Ray Franklin Smith, age 81, of Demorest will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM from the Hillside Memorial Chapel. Dr. Charles Holland, Rev. Russ Barker, and Rev. Trent Smith will officiate with interment to follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Smith passed away Sunday, June 5, 2011 following a period of declining health.

Born in Clarkesville, Georgia on August 9, 1929, Mr. Smith was the son of the late Thad L. and Dora Barron Smith. He was a United States Army Veteran having served in Korea. Mr. Smith was a machine operator with the Habersham County Road Department and he was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Ray was an avid gardener, he could grow anything. Ray loved bluegrass gospel music and he was loved by all. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith is preceded in death by daughters Nerva Lee Smith and Joyce Smith, son Bruce Smith, sisters Sara Campbell and Patricia Armstrong, and brothers John Calvin Smith and Edd Lonzo Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years Gertrude Rogers Smith of Demorest, son and daughter in law Glen R. and Cindy Smith of Demorest, daughter and son in law Deborah S. and David Canto of Clarkesville, brother and sister in law Russell K. and Joann Smith of Mt. Airy, brother James L. Smith of Mt. Airy, sister Bernice Caudell of Baldwin, sisters in law Bernice Smith, Irene Eller, and Esta Addis, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 2