White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Raymond L. Smith, 73 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Friday, February 24, 2017, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, Iowa.  He was born on November 14, 1943, in Marshall, Texas, the son of Loyce Cleveland and Nancy Elizabeth (Alexander) Smith.  He graduated from high school in Hazleton, Iowa with the Class of 1962.  The next 20 years he spent serving with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army.  On March 14, 1988, he and the former Judy Darlene Wilson were married in Junction City, Kansas.  After moving to Independence, Mr. Smith farmed, owned and operated the Deep Rock service station, and worked at the Independence Motor Speed Way.  He enjoyed NASCAR racing, camping, spending time with his family, and wintering in Mission, Texas.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judy, 3 sons, Jeff (Kim) Smith of Aurora, Colorado, Larry (Keri) Smith of Junction City, Kansas, and Christopher (Nicci) Wilson of Bloomington, Minnesota, 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 1 brother, Jimmy (Debra) Roper of Independence, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 daughter, Kimberly Smith, and 3 brothers, William Smith, Rodger Smith, and Randy Childers.

Military Services will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.