Howard Ray Smith

Howard Ray Smith, 73, of Kingsport, departed this life on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. Howard was born on July 5, 1942 in the Stickleyville Community of Lee County, VA. He was a 1962 graduate of Pennington High School in Pennington, VA. Howard retired from the State of Virginia Department of Corrections as a corrections officer. He served his country in the United States Army stationed in Germany. He also worked as a police officer with the Kingsport Police Department in their canine unit.

Howard was one of the kindest people, never met a stranger and would go beyond the call of duty to help a friend or stranger. He loved building things and was very proud of his street roadster that he built from scratch and rode in the parade with his granddaughter, Katlyn. Howard leaves behind a large host of close friends to mourn his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Edith Catherine Ward Smith; his maternal grandparents, John and Maude Ward; his paternal grandparents, George W. and Nancy Smith; brother, Bill Smith; and twin infant brothers.

Howard is survived by his wife, Ursula Seemann Smith of the home; son, Brian Ray Smith of Kingsport; granddaughter, Katlyn Smith; sister, Shirley Brown (Jerry) of Jonesville, VA; special niece, Wendy Brown LaMarchina (Anthony) and their daughter, Augusta of Nashville, TN; nieces, Christina and Nancy; and several cousins.

At his request, Howard will be cremated and interred in the Ward family Cemetery in the Stickleyville Community.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Living Waters Free Will Baptist Church.