Published on May 29, 2026 4:06 pm
Last Updated on May 29, 2026 4:08 pm
Ray David Smith, 64, passed away Friday, May 29th, at his home in Newton, IL.
Funeral services celebrating Ray’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Crain Funeral Home in Newton with friend, Rick Britton, officiating. Visitation will be held from noon to time of service, Sunday in the funeral home with burial following in Chapel Cemetery.
Ray was born to Frank and Neta (McCann) Smith on March 20, 1962. He was a lifelong enthusiast of auto repair and operated a mechanic’s shop for many years. After completing his education, Ray worked in plant maintenance for Hershey in Robinson. There, he was known as Ray-Ray, who loved the people he worked with and considered them family. In his free time, he enjoyed carpentry and had several memorable projects including building a cradle for his grandson, Connor. He had a natural ability to fix and make things run. On any given day, you might find Ray working on projects for his family, helping others with his skills, or doing upkeep on his family property, all of which he was proud to do. He was a lover of all animals, especially dogs.
Ray will be cherished and remembered by his children: Jason Smith of Newton and Rebecca Young (Ben) of Cisne; grandchildren Torrence Smith, Connor Smith, and Madison and Katlyn Young; his sisters Janet Holloway (Wayne), Sandra Zumbahlen (Craig) of Newton, Jill Abbott (Paul) of Olathe, Kansas; and niece, Claire Koebele (Michael) of Newton.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Frank and Neta Smith and his nephew, Jarrett Zumbahlen.
Memorial gifts in honor of Ray may be made to the Newton Community High School Automotive Education Program.
Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.