Raymond V. Smith, 90, passed away at his home with most of his family by his bedside on Feb. 7, 2010 in Wofford Heights, Calif. Raymond was born Jan. 3, 1920 to Charles and Esther Smith in Saxon, Wis. Raymond left high school in the 10th grade in order to help support his family by working for the Civilian Conservation Corps. After working for the CCC he started working for the Oglebay Norton Mining Company as a miner in October, 1940. Raymond met and then married Lorraine Reinerio of Pence, Wis., on Oct. 11, 1941.

Raymond was drafted to the USMC in 1944 in Milwaukee, Wis. After boot camp he was sent to Iwo Jima. He carried and operated a flame thrower and was wounded in action on Feb. 19, 1945. After he had recovered he was sent to work as a Military Police in Saipan until the war ended. Raymond was honorably discharged Jan. 4, 1946.

Upon returning home Raymond and wife Lorraine moved to Los Angeles, Calif. where Raymond started a new career as an electrician for the IBEW. They had three children, Janet, Roger and Brian. In 1980 they moved to Wofford Heights, Calif. for their retirement years. This summer would have been his 30th year of retirement. Raymond adored his wife Lorraine with all of his heart, the two had been married for 68 years. Raymond was a family man who always enjoyed a good laugh. He spent his days fishing and working on and around his home. He had the gentlest spirit and never met a stranger. He seldom complained and always reminded people how grateful he was for the Good Lord, Jesus Christ. Raymond and Lorraine belong to St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Raymond is survived by his wife Lorraine, children Roger and Linda Smith of Wofford Heights, Brian and Wanda Smith of Bakersfield, and son-in-law David Annett of Simi Valley, three granddaughers and three grandsons-in-laws, one great-granddaughter, two great-great grandchildren, brother Lloyd and Margie Smith and sister Esther Delegan. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rudy and Harry, sister Carmen, daughter Janet, and grandchildren Kelly and Greg King.

Serves were held for Raymond on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 at Saint Jude’s Catholic Church in Wofford Heights, Calif. at 10:30 a.m. followed by a graveside service provided by the Military Honor Guards.Thank you Optimal Hospice for providing our family with outstanding and loving service. We are very grateful to each of you.