Cwo (Ret) U.S. Army Raymond A. Smith

Chief Warrant Officer, Retired U.S. Army Raymond A. Smith, a resident of Arlington, VT, passed away April 5, 2024 at the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington, Vermont. Ray was born in Smithville, Jefferson County, NY on October 27, 1935, the son of the late Walter R. and Florence E. (Pope) Smith. They moved back to Arlington, Vermont in 1940. He attended Arlington schools, graduating from Arlington Memorial High School (Class of 1954) then attended Morrisville (SUNY) earning his Associate Degree in Automotive Technology. Ray was drafted into the Army in 1960 and went into helicopter maintenance and was number one in his class. He worked his way up to the rank of Sargent E5. About 1965 he was sent to Germany for his first tour. In 1966 he went to flight school for fixed wing aircrafts(airplanes) at Fort Rucker, Alabama and became CWO. From there, he was sent to aircraft maintenance school for officers. Ray then went to Vietnam for his first tour, flying single engine planes. When he returned he went to Germany again for another tour(2nd) flying single and multi engine aircrafts. Then he went back to Vietnam for his second tour. In 1971 Ray went to Fort Dix, New Jersey with his family. While there he was an instructor pilot for single and multi engine aircraft. He also served as Aviation Company Supply Officer, Publications and Budget Management Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Fixed Wing Maintenance Technician Officer. While there he also wrote the SOP(Standard Operation Procedure's) for Fort Dix, New Jersey air field. While there he left his family to do a tour in Korea during peacetime. After retiring in 1980 with almost 21 years of service, he returned to Vermont with his family. He became involved with the Town of Arlington spending time on the Zoning Board and then the Planning Commission. Ray was a member of the American Legion, also a representative to the Vermont Sportsman Federation. Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman, he also was very knowledgeable about guns and gunsmithing. Also enjoyed gardening, being outside working in the yard, NASCAR and the Boston Red Sox's. Ray is survived by his wife Milderd(Millie) Jacobson Smith of Arlington, son Matthew S. Smith(Nuria Arosemena) of Arlington, daughter Samantha L. Smith of Wilmington, NC, grandchildren Edward D. and Brian D. Smith-Arosemena, brother-in-law Ronald H. (Teri) Jacobson of SC, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Graveside services with military honors will be held in Evergreen Cemetery on June 29, 2024 at 1pm. There will be no visiting hours. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Ray's memory may be made to the Vermont Veterans' Home Activities Fund or the Arlington Rescue Squad, c/o Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home, Arlington Chapel, PO Box 528 Arlington, VT 05250. To send the family personal condolences please visit http://www.sheafuneralhomes.com