Ray Smith: Businessman, Philanthropist Dies

HUNTINGDON — Mr. Ray Smith of Huntingdon, died at his home on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the age of 95.

Memorial services are at Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Brother James Keen, Brother Lynn Stapleton, and Brother Kenneth Massey officiating. Internment follows in Carroll Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church 11110 Lexington Street on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 3 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 9 a.m. until the hour of service.

He was born September 9, 1928, to John Edd and Sarah Holladay Smith in Carroll County. After graduating from Clarksburg High School, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Crider Smith, on March 23, 1946.

Since the inception of Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church, Ray has been a long standing member serving in numerous capacities to include Sunday school superintendent and teacher, ordained deacon since 1972, and moderator of the Southwestern Baptist District.

With the support of his loving wife coupled with an unmatched work ethic and adventurous spirit, Ray succeeded in a variety of different businesses. He proudly served as a member of the National Board of the American Heart Association, the National Board of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Company, chairman of the Board of West Tennessee Public Utility District for over 50 years, chairman of the Board of Mountain Life Insurance Company, the Carroll County Industrial Board, and the Benton County Lions Club. Involved in the car business, he served as president of the Tennessee Automobile Association and even received Tennessee’s Time Magazine Dealer of the year in 1983. He was chairman of the Board of Huntingdon Bancorp, the holding company for The Bank of Huntingdon and chaired Tennessee Bankpac for many years for the Tennessee Bankers Association.

His late wife, Wilma, and he were instrumental in the planning, construction and operation of the Second Harvest Food Bank in Camden, Tennessee. Additionally, they provided the real estate and building necessary to bring the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center to Carroll County.

Actively involved with University of Tennessee initiatives over the years, he served as the UT Martin co-chair of the Campaign for Tennessee and was also the West Tennessee co-chair of the Tennessee Tomorrow Campaign. He was a past chair of the UT Martin Development Committee, a former member of the UT Development Council and received the UT Martin Chancellor’s Award for University Service. In recognition of their involvement with the Agricultural Teaching Complex, UT Martin named the UT Martin Ray and Wilma Smith Livestock Merchandising Facility in their honor.

He was named Citizen of the Year during the Huntingdon Heritage Festival and Businessperson of the Year by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.

Ray is survived by his children Jan Smith Kizer (Jim) and Brent Smith (Wanda). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Amy Harris, Jody Kizer (Tracey), Jason Kizer (Kelly), Tim Smith (Melissa), Ginger Welp (Brian) and Christy Smith (granddaughter-in-law). Great Grandchildren include Kizer Harris, Wilson Harris, Emily KIzer, Pierce Kizer, Grant Kizer, Meg Kizer, Molly Kizer, Zach Smith, Beau Smith, Maggie Ray Smith, Allie Welp, and Ansley Welp.

He was preceded in death by wife, Wilma, of 77 years, grandson, Jeff Smith, and grandson-in-law, James Harris, as well as brother, Troy Smith.

Family requests memorials be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, 69 Benton Industrial Road, Camden, Tenn., 38320, or Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church, 11110 Lexington Street, Huntingdon, Tenn., 38344.

Dilday-Carter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 731-986-8281.