Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Raymond Jerome “Jerry” Smith

12/2/1946 - 7/1/2025

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Obituary For Mr. Raymond Jerome “Jerry” Smith

Mr. Raymond Jerome “Jerry” Smith, 78, of Beckley, WV went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 following a long illness.

Jerry was the youngest of twelve children born to the late James and Susie Morgan Smith of Slab Fork, WV on December 2, 1946.

Jerry was a long-time faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he served on the Senior Usher Board.

Jerry, after graduating from Sophia High School in 1965, enlisted in the US Army and served three years. After returning home, he started working for Warrens Esson Gas Station, then Raleigh Hardware, while being enrolled at Beckley College studying business courses. Then he worked for Vecillo and Grogan, Slab Fork Coal Mines, Dowell Chemical and eventually the VA Hospital, where he worked as housekeeping supervisor, for 20 plus years, until he retired.

Jerry loved working with his hands. He and his brother, Homer, built the home he lived in with his family. He loved to plant flowers and beautify his yard. He also loved to cut wood to prepare for the winter so he could use his fireplace. He loved going fishing with his grandsons and watching Gunsmoke on TV every day. His favorite vacation spot was “the beach”.

Jerry was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Jerry was preceded in death by six brothers, Herbert Smith, James Smith, Charles “Buck” Smith, John “Tuck” Smith, Frazier “Mookie” Smith, and Homer Smith and two sisters, Margaret “Pie” Moore, and Frances “Mug” Wright.

Jerry leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Charlene Smith; son, Stephen (Bettrina) Smith of Beckley, WV; grandchildren, Capria Martin, Tyrell Smith, Sh’kor Smith and Alexia Smith, all of Beckley, WV; great-grandchildren, Cameron Martin, Chozhen Smith and Zy’Aire Smith, all of Beckley, WV; brother, Joseph (Jeanette) Smith of Beckley, WV; sisters, Mary Green and Charlotte Logan, both all of Beckley, WV and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Thursday, July 10, 2025 at New Hope Baptist Church
304 Worley Rd. Beckley with Rev. Brian Copney and Elder Greg Claytor officiating.
Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

07/31/2025

Jan Sipilovic, Pa-C

I am so sorry for you all. Jerry came to my clinic only a few yrs prior to his retirement, not long before my retirement...he was so pleasant, soft spoken - we talked about his health which he never complained...we talked about how much he looked forward to being retired and wanted to make sure his wife and he could enjoy it. The last day he came to the clinic and he said "I've retired", a man of few words...he will be missed, he is a gem....
07/16/2025

Eileen and Clifford

To the Smith family. You have our deepest condolences and prayers . Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington
07/09/2025

Eddie and Kim Watts

Our sincere condolences and prayers for the Smith family in the loss of their love one. Eddie and Kim Watts
07/08/2025

- Charlene Wynes Davis

Prayers
07/08/2025

Ronald McCray

I am sending condolences to the Smith family,will keep you lifted up in prayer.