Alfred Ray Smith   (MARTINEZ, Ga.)

MARTINEZ, Ga. - Entered into rest on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Doctors Hospital, Mr. Alfred Ray Smith, 62, husband of Linda Best Smith of Martinez, Ga. Ray Smith was born on September 5, 1946 in Louisiana, Missouri to Mary Griffith Smith and Carsie Smith. He was drafted after high school and proudly served his country during the time of need as an MP in the U.S. Army. He later married Linda Best and moved to Columbia, Missouri, where he attended the University of Missouri and received his BA in business. His career led him to reside in 7 different states including Georgia, where was employed with Shaw at SRS. Family members in addition to his wife include his daughter: Shannon Smith Putnam and husband Chip Putnam, of Soddy Daisy, TN; sons: Andrew Ray Smith and wife Christine, of Warner Robins, GA and Justin Ryan Smith of Martinez; sister: Gail Griego of Louisiana, MO, grandchildren: Morgan and Ashlynn Putnam, Kaleb and Isabella Smith and Michael Corvin. He was preceded in death by his parents: Mr. and Mrs. Carsie Smith. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son. Pallbearers will be Michael Corvin, Shane Raines, Russell Swann, Alex Andrews, Chuck Merritt and Steven Clabey. Burial will be in Bellevue Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends this evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd. Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.

The Augusta Chronicle-January 24, 2009