Raymond Michael Smith

Raymond Michael Smith passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, in Elk Grove, CA, at the age of seventy-two. He was born on July 6, 1953 in Lima, Ohio and was a dedicated pastor and minister. Michael was a loving father, grandfather, pastor and friend. He never met a stranger, was gregarious, intelligent, honest, fun, and he loved God and people. He enjoyed studying, reading, teaching, and being at the beach.

He was married to Marianne Platt for forty-seven years until his passing. The family moved to California when Michael was in elementary school, and his father pastored in Nevada City, Aptos, and Dunsmuir. Michael loved living in these beautiful towns. He fished, hiked and enjoyed the beach as a child. Michael was a graduate of Stagg High School in Stockton, CA and received a BA in Theology. Pastoring in Los Banos and Sacramento for thirty-five years, he formed many meaningful relationships.

He is survived by his wife Marianne, son Joshua (Quelinda) Smith, daughter Elisabeth (Jordan) Quigley, grandchildren Jeriyah, Joiya, Jentzen, Violette, Jett and Ivy-Rose, his siblings Cris Scholzen, Dianna Ligon, Dan Smith and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Ned Smith and mother Elisabeth Smith.

Michael's legacy of kindness, knowledge and generosity lives on in his family and all who knew him. Celebration of Life Services will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3:00pm at the Barbara Morse Wackford Community Center (Valley Oak Ball Room) located at 9014 Bruceville Rd., Elk Grove, CA 95758