Ray Bernard Smith, affectionately known as “Casper,” passed away peacefully at his home in Statesville, N.C., on September 19, 2025, at the age of 76. He was born on May 23, 1949, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Marcella Smith and Grace Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Ethel Roseboro, Hazel Sampson, Junnie Mae McGee, Sylvia Ann Jones, Margaret Reaves, Robert Smith, Richard Smith, and James Allen Smith; and children Melissa Smith and Ray Smith Jr.

Ray attended Unity High School, and he worked as a dedicated supervisor at Toter Inc. and was known for his strong work ethic, guidance, and devotion to his family.

Ray was a loving husband to his wife, Nae Anna Jean Parks Smith, and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His legacy will live on through his children, Janice Smith, Christa Daniels, Terrance Adams, Darrick Wayne Gillespie Jr., Tratina Gillespie, Samuel Gillespie, Nicky Gillespie, Natarsha (Sherman) Phifer, and Alicia (Tim) Leach; a brother, Kenny Smith; sisters-in-law, Wanda Smith, Rozetta Harris, Martha Tucker, Laura Parks, Lavender (Zackary) Parker, Margaret (Charles) Davidson, and Robin (Carlos) Lopez; grandchildren, ShaKayla Smith, Tatiana Smith, Dana Gray Jr., LaChaston Smith, Desmond Gray, Keenan Bunch, and Jaquan Summers; and great-grandchildren, Dezhyre Smith-Morrison, Joey Rucker Jr., Kaden Rucker, Javan Roseboro, Malaya Gray, Braylen Gray, and Cho’zon Summers; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of life service will be held on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Christian Outreach. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Belmont Cemetery in Statesville.

Ray will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to family, and the love he shared with all who knew him.

Visit the Book of Memories for Ray Smith at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Smith family.