Smith remembered
Published 12:35 pm Friday, May 6, 2016
Raymond Smith, 64, of Saxe, is being remembered as a loving and devoted person following a tragic accident that claimed his life on Wednesday, April 20, in the Charlotte Court House area.
“He was a good father and friend. If you were around him … it was nothing but laughs,” said Raymond’s son, Miles Smith. “He enjoyed hunting, fishing, racing and telling old stories of him and his buddies getting in trouble years ago. He will truly be missed by many people all over Charlotte County.”
According to Virginia State Police, Andrew P. Horvath, 46, of Drakes Branch was traveling north in a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado when the vehicle crossed the center line, striking a 1997 Western Star tractor-trailer driven by Smith, according to state police. No charges have been filed against Horvath.
Police said the impact caused the tractor trailer to lose control, run off the left side of the road and strike trees. As a result, the tractor trailer caught fire and Smith died at the scene. Horvath was not injured in the crash.
Smith was born in Charlotte County in 1951 to Ephraim Smith and the late Adelle Allen Smith.
“He received his education in the Charlotte County Public Schools and later attended Job Corps where he trained to be a heavy machine operator. He was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church, Saxe, Va. and was a truck driver for Toombs Logging,” stated his obituary.
Raymond’s brother, John Smith, said he was a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge and loved fast cars. “He was a devoted brother and devoted friend,” John said.
In addition, John said, Raymond was a motorcycle club member.
“Cherishing his memories are his son, Miles Smith (Shelyne) of Chase City, Va., two daughters, Patrese Roberts of Chase City, Va. and Levern Smith of Drakes Branch, Va.; five grandchildren, Alexia, Jamarius, Johnese, Angel and SheMyia; his father, Ephraim Smith of Saxe, Va.; a brother, John Smith of New Jersey; sister-in-law, Beatrice Smith of Saxe, Va. and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends,” according to the obituary.
Beatrice Smith said Raymond was a lover of life and always tried to do the very best he could for his family. “He was a wonderful person that always looked out for his family the best he could,” she said.
Funeral services for Smith were held on Saturday at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Saxe.