Ray William Smith

Ray William Smith, a beloved lifelong resident of Charlotte, passed away on December 10, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing due to complications from diabetes. Ray was born December 22, 1956 to Beverly Ann (Catron) Smith of Charlotte and Lester William Smith of Eagle, both of whom have preceded Ray in death.
Ray graduated from Charlotte High School Class of 1975 where he played varsity football and basketball. He mentored several kids in sports through the Charlotte Summer Recreation Program and at YMCA Camp Sloan in New York State. Ray enjoyed golfing with his many lifelong friends in area tournaments for many worthwhile causes and traveling Michigan and other states just to play different courses. Ray also enjoyed fishing with friends and family on inland lakes and Lake Michigan. Ray worked at the Charlotte Chair Factory, AE Hoover, Ace Hardware, and finally Meijer Warehouse in Lansing from which he retired. He was a former member of the Charlotte Optimist Club and a current member of the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565 and was always actively involved in their fundraising efforts.
Ray is survived by his sister, Lynn Ann (Smith) Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Mark Zimmerman; nephews, Andrew (Sarah) Zimmerman of Omaha, Nebraska, and William (Candice) Zimmerman of Adrian, Michigan; niece, Melissa Zimmerman (Jonathan) Timm of Tecumseh, Michigan; four great-nephews and one great-niece.
A celebration of life is planned for the spring – his favorite time of year for fishing and golfing. The family wishes to thank their neighbors, friends and family for their help with Ray’s trials and tribulations with diabetes.