Raymond "Ray" E. Smith, III

Alexandria, VA- Raymond "Ray" E. Smith, III, passed away unexpectedly while hiking in Shenandoah National Park on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at the age of 54.

He is survived by his mother, Ann Smith of Rincon; sister, Kathy Bradshaw and her husband, Donnie, of Rincon; brother, David Smith and his wife, Angie, of Wilmington Island; grandmother, Louise Dicey of Greenville, S.C.; nieces and nephews, Stephanie, Arman, and Eli Tolentino, Jessica, Matt, Tate, and Cora Gregory, and Caroline Lewallen; aunts, uncles, cousins; and many beloved friends who were like family. He is predeceased by his father, Raymond E. Smith, Jr.

Ray graduated from Effingham County High School in 1982 and Georgia Southern University in 1990. He was a 26-year employee of the National Rifle Association in Fairfax, VA. He was a member of Rincon United Methodist Church. Ray loved spending time with his family and friends, and always had a great story to tell. He truly had a love for the natural world, spending many weekends hiking and camping, as he did in his final hours.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 8, from 3 to 5 pm, with the funeral service beginning at 5 pm at Rincon United Methodist Church, 107 Savannah Avenue. Burial will be in the Rincon Cemetery.

Remembrances can be sent to Stuart Exley, Effingham County United Methodist Campground, 306 W. First St., Springfield, GA 31329.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons

Funeral Home

Effingham Chapel

(912) 754-6421