Raymond Smith

Raymond Lawrence Smith age 80 of Grand Lake
passed to his Lord on July 16, 2009 at Tendercare-Alpena

He was born July 14, 1929 in Detroit
to John and Hazel (Cottrel) Smith

On September 9, 1950, Ray married Joanne Louise Steiner in Detroit.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955, and was a Korean War
Veteran. In 1957, Ray joined the Detroit Police Department as the oldest member of
his Academy. He was soon promoted to Detective serving many years in Homicide
with promotions to Sergeant and, ultimately, the Lieutenant in charge of the
department. He then established and headed the first Arson Squad in Detroit until he
retired in 1984.

In 1968, Ray and Joanne purchased a small lot on Grand Lake, where they built a
modest vacation cottage. After converting the cottage to a year-round home they
moved to Grand Lake in 1992.

Raymond enjoyed his years of retirement playing with his grandchildren, deer
hunting and telling police stories, again and again and again! He was active in his
Church as a Deacon, an usher and as a member of the Men’s Club.

Ray is survived by:
his wife, Joanne;
children, Janet E. Ping of Northville, Susan Rae Smith of Troy
and David (Lori) Smith of Dansville;
3 grandchildren, David, Daniel and Samantha;
1 brother, John Long of Ortonville

He was preceded in death by a brother, Chester Smith.

Friends may visit at the Grand Lake Community Chapel on Sunday, July 19th from
2:00 p.m. through the time of the funeral services at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Bo Lange
officiating. The bagpipes will be played during the services, and the
Posen V.F.W. 7804 will accord military honors following the church service.

Burial will take place at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley.

Memorials may be given to Grand Lake Community Chapel or
to The Alzheimer’s Association.