Raymond S. Smith

Raymond S. Smith, 80, of Frenchtown, NJ, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019 at his home.

Born April 23, 1939 in Somerville, NJ, Ray grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ and lived in Morristown, NJ before moving to Frenchtown in 1971. He graduated from Bernardsville High School. Ray attended the police academy in Sea Girt, NJ. He worked as a police officer in Morristown before moving to Frenchtown, where he became the head of the police department, as chief of police, in 1971. Ray served his community faithfully until his retirement in 2004. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting. Ray also loved his motorcycles. He was a member of the Frenchtown Presbyterian Church, an avid NRA member, a member of the NJ Police Chiefs Association, a longtime member of the North South Skirmish Association, a Civil War Era Shooting Competition, for most of his life, and served with his two groups the 2nd NJ Infantry and the 7th NJ Infantry.

Son of the late Vince and Alberta (Trebilcock) Smith, Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Linda M. (Taylor) Smith, his three daughters Kim Frost, Kerry Sees and her husband Robert, and Dawn Ruckle and her husband Michael, his son Trevor R. Smith and his wife Kelly, his brother Sydney Smith, his sister Gladys "Chich" Stevens, his thirteen grandchildren, and his four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Milford, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences

From: Pia Rey
My condolences to the Family. He was a fine man, will be greatly missed.

From: David and Melody Gano
Once again Frenchtown has lost an icon of the community. A true kind and fair man. My family will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go with the entire Smith Family and if there's anything Mel and I can do just ask.

From: Patty berkman
Sending my condolences to the Smith family. Ray was a wonderful man. He will be deeply missed.

From: David Van Gilson
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you and your family. I will always remember all the good conversations we had about life. He will be greatly miss.

From: Craig Metz
Chief Smith you will be missed.. From the first time that we met you were welcoming with open arms... A true gentleman and I was priveliged to have known you and worked for you. Godspeed my friend and prayers for your family.

From: Richard and Elaine Taylor and family
Linda and Family... We are thinking of you at this time of sadness and we have the memories of years of family events. He was a good friend and will be missed. Our sympathy to you and your family.

From: Atheras Family
To Trevor and family , Our deepest condolences to all of you. Ginny is reminiscent of Smitty as such a good friend and always there to help in situation without question , and enjoyed all the years they worked together. As members of the FFD it was an honour to work with the Chief and thank him for all his help on Fire and EMS calls. We pray your wonderful memories of your dad will sustain all of you now and in the future. If there is anything Mike and I can do to help you , please feel free to reach out. Mike , Patty, Michael III & Ginny

From: Harry Hults
To Linda and family, please accept my sincere condolences. Ray was a wonderful individual. It was an honor to work under his supervision many years ago. Every conversation that he and I had over the years, he would always say that he was proud of me. I will forever cherish our friendship and our talks about life, family and so many other things. Ray will truly be missed.

From: Deb Shenberger
Ray was an asset of immeasurable value for the Frenchtown community. He was a good man with a good heart. My adult children still tell stories about when they would misbehave and Chief Smith discovered their shenanigans. They were sent home with these words: "Either you go home and tell your parents what you've done or, I will!" We always knew they were safe when Chief Smith was on watch! I will miss his sense of humor and will be forever grateful for his dedication to our town and all the people in it. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

From: Joan tigar
Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. My prayers are with you. Joan

From: Kathy and Don VanFossen
Our condolences to the Smith family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

From: Amy Selner
I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I work in the lunchroom at Del Val high school. For many years Ray worked cutting the grass at Del Val. He would come into the kitchen to have his lunch with the ladies in the cafeteria. He always had a good story to share of his time on the force or doing his revolutionary re-enactments. He also took time to ask about my family . My children both graduated from Del Val and knew Ray. He was a very kind man who will be missed by many.

From: Janet and Charlie Cooper
Our sincere sympathy. We were fortunate enough to have attended the races at Richmond with Ray and others and had a good time with him. We last saw him at P'burg Walmart very recently. RIP Ray.

From: Carol Sutton Willadsen
Ray and my late husband met growing up in Basking Ridge and were long time friends. I met Ray around 1958 and we all shared so many laughs, good times over many years. It was my husband who saw the ad in the paper for a new chief of police in Frenchtown all those years ago, was sure old friend Ray was the man for the job, encouraged him to apply. Ray and I shared a love of Civil War history, he was so knowledgeable and interesting. Also a friend you knew you could call at any time and he'd be there for you. With heartfelt condolences to the entire family on this sad loss. Rest in peace, old friend.

From: Vivian (Kerr ) Blomquist
Condolences to the Smith Family ! Will always remember Rays smile and kindness he was a true asset to the Frenchtown Community . You will be missed but not forgotten

From: R. Howard Boss
I would like to offer my condolences to the entire Smith family on Ray's passing. I knew him as a fine public servant of the town of Frenchtown, N.J. Hold dearly to your memories, and he'll be there by your side, always.

From: Fred Schaan
My heartfelt sympathy for Rays family and many friends. We had been friends in Bernards High School. I never knew his Family but he always spoke highly of you. so sorry for everyone's loss Fred Schaan

From: Jay Durner
My Condolences to the Smith Family. I enjoyed a bunch of years with Chief Ray while I was Band Director at DVR High School. His endless stories would keep me in stitches every time I saw him! Rest in Peace my friend, you will be missed! Jay Durner, Band Director at DVHRS ( Retired)

From: Diane Gonzalez
My condolences to Rays family...he was such a nice man and dedicated family man and officer..I woyld have a bagel and coffee at The Bagelsmith on my way to the nursing home, it was a pleasure chatting and laughing with him there. Rest in peace Smitty.

From: Chris Poh
Dear Linda, I only was made aware of Ray's passing last week. I am so very sorry for the pain and loss that you and your entire family have suffered. He was a good man and a very good friend, and I will always cherish our time together, especially those long afternoon chats around your kitchen table! I pray that you and your family receive God's grace and His healing peace!

From: Ardath Balliet
I am sorry to hear of chief Smith's passing. It doesn't seem that long ago that he would stop to see my husband Bob when Bob was sitting outside, and now they both gone. How sad.

From: Sue Duimstra-Ogas
Linda, I was in NJ over the weekend and just learned of Ray's passing. I am incredibly sad for your family's and the community's loss. I always enjoyed hearing of his hunting and NASCAR stories from you. I pray for comfort in the days ahead for you and your family. Think of you often, much love, Sue (Thatcher) Ogas

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