Thursday, October 13, 2016 9:40 am

Billy Ray Smith, age 80, of Bostic, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2016.

Born January 17, 1936 in Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Zonie and Bert Smith. Ray was an avid gardener and loved to grow tomatoes, selling them in the Bostic community for years. He was a member of First Broad Baptist Church in Golden Valley. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by his wife, Marina Rollins Smith; son, Alvin Ray Smith; daughter, Johnnie Lou Cindy Smith; brothers, Roy, J.H., and Ruffin Smith; and sisters, Linda Ivester and Leberta Sisk.

He is survived by his daughters, Wanda McGee and husband Gregg, Cheryl Short, and Melinda Greene and husband Michael; a sister, Ethel Stamey and husband Bill; four grandsons, and eight great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service was held at the First Broad Baptist Church with Reverend Robert Bradley officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Broad Baptist Church, 2470 NC Hwy 226, Bostic, NC 28018.

Padgett & King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.