Raymond J Smith 1934-2023

Raymond, our loving husband, dad, popeye, and gramps peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on March 21, 2023 at the age of 88 surrounded by his wife and children. He kept his smile and witty personality until the final moments of his time here on earth.

Raymond was born in Provo, Utah to Elliot Edward and Mary Snyder Smith on July 7, 1934, just a few minutes after his identical twin Richard. He always said "Richard might be older but I am tougher". He was raised on the farm in American Fork, UT. Eventually the Smith Family moved to Lehi and settled there.

Raymond and Richard, also known as "The Smith Twins", made a name for themselves on the football field. There were very few opponents that wanted to line up across from them. Their nickname, "the tough twins" fit them both perfectly. Raymond was also an amateur boxer and once got asked to box professionally. He graduated from Lehi High School in 1952. After finishing high school, Raymond served an LDS mission in the Eastern States Mission. He loved serving and loved the people.

Raymond married Marcia Ann Chipman on August 6,1959 in the Logan Temple. They called Lehi home for their entire married life. Raymond loved rodeo and it quickly became a family sport. He took his family all over the western states while he competed in bull dogging alongside his twin Richard. Raymond and MarciaAnn met many lifelong friends in the rodeo community.

Raymond loved to help the youth. He was involved with little league football, high school rodeo and many youth church groups. He coached the Little Giants football team for many years and served two terms as the President of the Utah High School Rodeo Association. It really didn't matter what it was, if it involved teaching kids or just making a difference in their lives he was there.

Raymond worked as an ironworker for 38 years and retired at the age of 63. After retirement he enjoyed 11 years of working on the Cedar Valley farm. He loved farming and taught all of us the value of hard work. He loved everything outdoors; camping, hunting, fishing, yard work, gardening, but especially taking a shower in the garden hose. In his later years, he found great joy in watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren do what they love.

Raymond was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he held many callings. He very much enjoyed his time as a temple worker.

Raymond is survived by his wife MarciaAnn, his children; Marty (Machele) Smith, Robyn (Kenny) Norris, Sharalyn (Neil) Clayton, his 6 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his sister Kay (Joe) Shelton. He is preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Richard, brother Leland, sisters Mary Lou and Joann Grace.

To his family Raymond was; "ears that truly listen, arms that always hold, love that's never ending and a heart that's made of gold". Gramps was the perfect example of humility and grace. He was always more worried about those around him than himself. He loved grandma with his whole heart and taught each of us the true meaning of family. He met every challenge with a smile and didn't go a day without telling a joke or making a witty comment. He taught us all to live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Lehi West Stake Center, 1920 North 500 West. A viewing will be held Sunday evening March 26, 2023 from 6-8:00 PM at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main, Lehi, Utah and on Monday morning from 9:30-10:45 AM prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Lehi City Cemetery.

Our family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Marshall Willis for all of his house calls and his devout care for Raymond over the last few years, but especially the last few months. Also, to Kim Koenig, for her loving care for Raymond and support for MarciaAnn. We are deeply grateful to both of these medical professionals during this difficult time.

A live stream of the service can be found at : https://zoom.us/j/92419781959