George Smith

George “Ray” Smith Jr, age 61, of New Philadelphia died peacefully early Tuesday morning, July 30, 2013, in the care of Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Born at Fort Worth, Texas, July 18, 1952, he was a son of Pauline Getchey Smith of Dover and the late George Smith, Sr.

A 1970 graduate of Claymont High School, “Ray” as he was best known by his family and friends went to work in a variety of jobs early in his career before joining GTE in the early 1980’s. He went on to work for GTE, which became Verizon for more than thirty years before retiring three years ago.

Ray was an avid bowler, participating in a number of leagues. He enjoyed traveling, reading, and rarely missed an opportunity to take on the contestants while watching Jeopardy at 7:30 nightly.

Active in the community, Ray was a longtime member of Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church and had served on church council a decade ago. He was also a past president of the former New Philadelphia Jaycees, and was honored by his club with a lifetime membership in the JCI Senate.

A familiar voice at the Tuscarawas County Soap Box Derby, Ray had served as Master of Ceremonies for the past 25 years. He was a past member of the board of directors for Trumpet In The Land and was a longtime coach of the Rotary sponsored team in New Phila Little League.

Survivors in addition to his mother, include his two children, Heather Smith of Coshocton, and Kyle Smith of Dover.

Ray will be sadly missed by his companion Kim Youngen of New Philadelphia, as well as his brother, Dennis Smith of Dennison.

A niece, Tina Smith of New Philadelphia, many cousins, including two with whom he was particularly closely associated with, Bonnie Tidrick and her husband Melvin and Carolyn Jones, all of Newcomerstown, also survive.

His former wife, Nancy Pollock of Homerville, completes the family.

Friends are invited to call Thursday from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.

Pastor Tracy Pryor will lead Ray’s funeral service Friday morning at 10:30 in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in New Philadelphia’s East Avenue Cemetery.

Following the committal service, family and friends will gather for a luncheon reception in the church fellowship hall of Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting Ray’s permanent memorial online at www.GeibCares.com.