Ray Coleman Smith

Ray Coleman Smith was born 11/27/1948 and was the oldest son of Clarence C Smith (Alice M Smith) and Lois J Lilly (Orville “Jitter” Lilly). He passed away 11/20/25 surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by daughters Barbie (Bo) Sutherland and Bobbie Jo (Kenny) Spalding, grandchildren Abigail (Gage) Robinson, Abrianna Sutherland, Jacob (Whitney) Spalding, Jessica Spalding and Justin Spalding, and great grandson James Beckett Robinson. He is also survived by brothers Bruce Smith and Mark (Angi) Smith, sister-in-law Marietta Smith, stepsister Sherry Gardner, stepbrother Steve McQuerry, numerous nieces and nephews and a very special niece, Ashley Smith, who gave him his nickname “Pocahontas”. He also leaves behind a wife, Bonnie; 2 step daughters; 2 step granddaughters that he raised, Mikala Jo Linney and Katie Rose Thompson and 3 other step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Glenn Douglas, Larry Wayne and Joseph Martin Smith and stepbrother Ronnie McQuerry. 

He loved all things UK and was a die-hard Cincinnati Reds fan. You hardly ever saw him that he wasn’t smiling. He loved his family and cherished being together and making memories more than anything. He devoted many years working at the same factory through many name changes (HK Porter, Southern Moldings, American Wire) where he made many life-long friends.

He was Santa Claus for several years at Buffalo Trace, where he enjoyed seeing kids’ faces light up with the anticipation of Christmas. He was an umpire for years for Frankfort Parks and Recreation and later worked in the concession stands. One of his great joys was playing Santa Claus for the children (young and old) at his church, North Frankfort Baptist Church.

He had a personality that lit up any room he walked in to. He never met a stranger and loved to laugh. His brothers would especially like to thank Bo and Barbie Sutherland for opening their home to Ray for the last 3 years, taking on the roles of Caregiver and advocate.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 9:00am until 11:00am with the service following at 11:00am at Clark Legacy Center, 3000 Versailles Rd Frankfort with Bro. David Smith officiating. Pallbearers are Gage Robinson, Jacob Spalding, Ricky Smith, Joshua Perkins, Henry Bentley and David Paige Honorary Pallbearers are Justin Spalding, Scott Smith, Rodney Smith

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Ray’s memory.