Raymond Smith

Raymond M. Smith, 84, of Bacliff, Texas, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2007.

He was born Sept. 25, 1922, in Cape Girardeau, son of Charles H. and Rhoda V. Cox Smith. He grew up and lived in Cape Girardeau all his life until enlisting in the service.

A retired major with the U.S. Marine Corps, Smith was a veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict. He was most proud of his 22 years of service to his country, including flying the F4U Corsair in the 513 Night Fighter Squadron where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, three Presidential Unit Citations and the Korean Unit Citation.

He was a stockbroker for EGT in Corpus Christi, Texas, 30 years. He was very proud of his 30-year perfect attendance record with the Kiwanis. He received the Silver Beaver Award in scouting, and his three sons were all Eagle scouts.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen.

Survivors include three sons, Gary (Betsy) of Knoxville, Tenn., Bruce (Patricia) of Sugar Land, Texas, and Ron (Mary) of Seabrook, Texas; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and numerous family and friends.

A celebration of Raymond's life was held Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Dickinson, Texas. A military burial will be held today at Seaside Memorial Park Cemetery in Corpus Christi.

Dignity Memorial Bay Area Chapel in League City, Texas, was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, Va., 22134.