Celebration Of Life Set For Raymond Paul Smith III

TREASURE ISLAND, FL — Raymond Paul Smith III "Ray" of Treasure Island died doing what he loved in Key West Aug. 8 at the age of 67.

Ray was born April 17, 1952, in Baltimore, Maryland. The family moved to Texas where he spent the majority of his youth. During his senior year of high school, the Smiths moved to Harrison, Arkansas, where Ray graduated and was crowned Mr. Harrison High. He then moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he attended Spring Hill College. After graduating college with a bachelor's of science in commerce, he took various sales jobs throughout the Southeast before moving to Tampa to be closer to the family and to work with his father. Raymond Smith Jr. was vice president of Southeastern Wire, and Ray started at the bottom loading trucks and cutting pipe, but eventually was promoted into a sales position.

The father and son then started Smith Fence Co. in a small warehouse in Clearwater, which has grown to employ more than 150 people.

Among other accomplishments and activities, Ray was the president of the Bolesta Center for Listening & Spoken Language. He was also involved with University of South Florida Iron Bulls and was the chairman of Sabal Trust. He was a member of the board of directors of Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Cornerstone Bank and Tampa Bay Watch. In addition, he was a member at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Porsche Drivers Club, St. Petersburg Wing Shooters Club, St. Petersburg Underwater Dive Club and the Squires.

Ray was an avid patriot, pilot, sport fisherman, huntsmen (2005 Canadian coyote shootout champion), diver, WWII history buff, traveler, adventure seeker, racing safety ambassador and Blanton's collector.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jeri, and their four children, Gage, Nicholas, Melissa and Molly Smith; brother, Tommy (Tiffany); and sisters, Peggy, Janie (Steve), Debbie (Van), Nancy (Bobby), and Melissa (Paul).

There will be a celebration of his life at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Please bring a favorite picture of Ray. Dress code is Key West casual. In lieu of gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the Bolesta Center Inc. at USF for hearing impaired children.

Brett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.