Obituary of Jimmie Ray Smith

Mr. Jimmie Ray Smith a life long resident of Lodi passed away Wednesday January 14, 2004 in a Lodi hospital at the age of 69. Mr. Smith was born January 25, 1934 in Jane, Missouri to James and Claudia Smith and had lived in Lodi for 66 years. Mr. Jimmie Ray Smith was a local tax accountant, he owned and operated Merit Tax Service for the past 4 years. He had also worked for H&R Block in Lodi for m4 years before opening Merit Tax Service. He was a 22 year dedicated United States Air Force, Korean and Vietnam War Veteran, serving as Master Sargent B-52 Bomber Tail Gunner, for the 486th Bomber Squard and was decorated with the 200+ mission award. Jimmie Ray attended and graduated Class of 1951 of Lodi High School, he also attend and graduated from San Joaquin Delta College. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mrs. Fay Smith of Lodi, 2 daughters, Michelle and her husband Jim Gourley of Lockeford, April Oster of Lodi, 1 brother Jerry Smith of Lodi, 8 grandchildren, Matt Allen, Josh Allen, Chris, Brian, Jamie Gourley of Lockeford, Megan, Michael, Nicholas Oster of Lodi. and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister Bobbie Miller in 1997. A chapel service will be held Tuesday January 20, 2004, 1:00 PM at the Lodi Funeral Home, followed by interment at Cherokee Memorial Park and Cemetery in Lodi. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 18, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM and Monday, January 19, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM at the Lodi Funeral Home. Remembrances can be sent the donors charity of choice.