Ray was born Willie Ray Smith to Andrew Thomas Smith and LuDeliz Gilbert Smith on March 8, 1920 in Cumberland, Mississippi. He moved on to life’s next great adventure on May 18, 2015.Reared in Cumberland, Ray graduated from Cumberland High School in 1932. He furthered his education with a BS degree in Science from Mississippi State University. Following graduation, Ray conducted research at the Stoneville Agriculture Department in Stoneville, Mississippi.In 1942 Ray was recruited as a pilot for the Army Air Corps, 20th Division. He flew 102 missions from 1942-1945. He was a Check pilot on the Hump and checked out 33 first pilots. The many honors Ray received during his service were the Distinguished Flying Cross (1 Oak Cluster Leaf), Air Medal, American Defense Medal, WWII USAAF Pilot Navigator Wings, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (3 tours), China War Memorial Medal, USAAF Army Air Corps, Chinese Pilot Wings, Commemorative Air Force Pilot Wings, USAAF Ferry Command Cap Badge, US Armed Forces Pin, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Armed Forces Reserved Medal.After the war, Ray was employed by the Shell Oil Corporation, where he was involved in the research and control of the boll weevil on cotton and was instrumental in the first eradication of the boll weevil. Ray participated in research all over the United States and registered numerous patents with the Agriculture Department in Washington DC.In 1976, Ray met the love of his life, Joyce Robinson. After 4 years of courtship they married and honeymooned in Spain. After the honeymoon they moved to Midland, TX and established a successful real estate business, Tierra Realtors. Most importantly they loved to have fun together; traveling to numerous countries, dancing, and their many clubs. Through the 39 years of marriage, they always held hands and told each other “I love you”.Ray was a member of the Hump Pilots Association, Lions Club, CAF, and dance club.The oldest of six children, Ray was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and LuDeliz Smith, sisters Frances Smith Kelly and Mary Lightfoot and his brother Cayce Dean Smith.Ray is survived by his wife Joyce R. Smith, stepson David Robinson (Susan), grand-daughters Danielle Reynolds (Colby) and Kaitlin Robinson, son Rodney Smith, his sister Tommlu Renard (George) and his brother Andrew Lee Smith (Rachael). Ray also leaves behind many cherished friends.Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Resthaven Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be donated to the charity of one’s choice.,
