Raymond "Ray" Eugene Smith

Oct. 17, 2025

Raymond "Ray" Eugene Smith, 84, of Lancaster, PA (formerly of Gowanda, NY), passed away on Oct. 17, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and "Papa Bzz," Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Edna (Thordahl) Smith; daughters, Melinda (James) Ellis, Pamela (Michael) Gillum, and Candace (Kenneth) Ord; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his brother, Carl Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dorris Smith, and five siblings.

Ray was a man of strong faith, quiet strength, and generous spirit. He served as President, Elder, and Financial Secretary at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was also Township Supervisor of the Dayton Highway Department, President of the Cattaraugus County Town Highway Superintendents' Association, and served on the Tri County Country Club Board.

Ray founded the Christmas Gifts for Foster Children program and volunteered widely - raising funds for Immanuel Christian School, leading worship at a developmental group home, and supporting his community in countless ways.

An avid outdoorsman, Ray loved hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, and snowmobiling with the Snow Bugs of Cottage, NY. He made his own maple syrup, jelly, and wine, and freely shared his harvest with others. He was a proud member of the NYS Big Buck Club.

Ray was a 1959 graduate of Gowanda Central High School, a three-sport athlete, Little League umpire, and loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills and Yankees. He loved music, dancing, and sharing stories about his faith and Mayflower heritage.

A service will be held in Western NY at a later date.

Donations in Ray's memory may be made to the churches or charities listed in his honor.

Cattaraugus County Town Highway Supervisors Association Attn: Jason Pearl PO Box 147

Little Valley, New York 14755

Memo Line: Christmas Gifts for Foster Children

Immanuel Lutheran Church 40 South Chapel St. Gowanda, NY 14070.