Raymond Ervin Smith Jr., affectionately known as Ray, 78, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at his residence. He was born on January 3, 1948, in Reisterstown, Maryland, to the late Raymond Smith Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Smith.

Ray spent his early years in Reisterstown, Maryland, where he graduated from Franklin High School. In 1966, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska, he met the love of his life, Judith Ann “Judy” Furnas Smith. In 1969, Ray was transferred to Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand and later to Taegu AB Republic of Korea before being honorably discharged in 1970.

Following his military service, Ray attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology graduating with distinction from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in December 1973.

Ray began his professional career at Sandia Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he worked from 1974 to 1978. In 1978, he and his family moved to Kent, Washington, where he continued his career with Boeing Computer Services. In 1981, the family moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where Ray worked for General Electric until his retirement in 2008.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray was a man of many passions and talents. He loved sports throughout his life, playing baseball, softball, and soccer as an adult. He enjoyed hiking, gardening, and spending time outdoors. Ray also found great joy in coaching his daughter’s soccer teams and encouraging young athletes. He was a skilled carpenter and a gifted handyman who could always be counted on to build, repair, or improve something. Ray was also a familiar and beloved face at ACAC, where he enjoyed attending group fitness classes and spending time with his many wonderful friends. He had a lifelong love of Nebraska football and proudly cheered on his team with a heartfelt “Go Big Red!”

Ray will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Judith Ann Smith; his son, Chad Alan Smith, and daughter-in-law, Iris Etges-Smith; his daughter, Erin Renee Smith; his grandsons, Aidan, Wesley, and Wyatt; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Lou Smith.

In keeping with Ray’s wishes, a private service will be held for immediate family, allowing them to remember and celebrate a life well lived.

In honor of Ray’s passion for education and his belief in the importance of opportunity, memorial contributions may be made to the David Furnas Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Creighton University, P. O. Box 3026, Omaha, NE 68103 in memory of David’s uncle Raymond Ervin Smith Jr.

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, Virginia is honored to serve the family.