Raymond Walter Smith Jr.

Raymond Walter Smith Jr. – February 7, 1939 – August 27, 2026

Raymond Walter Smith Jr., known to everyone as Ray and Poohpop, passed away on August 27, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, from natural causes. He was 87 years old. Ray was born on February 7, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jeff and Peg Smith. He attended West Catholic High School and Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (now Thomas Jefferson University). He spoke fondly of his South Philly roots where he found early joys as a yo-yo champion, a golf caddy, and on the basketball court. He was tremendously proud of his years playing college basketball, and that pride only grew when his ‘57/’58 team was inducted into his college’s Hall of Fame as the first to be selected for the NCAA tournament. He had an accomplished career and was the youngest executive VP of GAF / ISP at the time. Here he worked as a chemist then as an international businessman, forging friendships around the world. Ray who was 6’4” tall was often described as stern yet a gentle giant. He had a presence, no doubt about it, but underneath it was the warmth and humor that drew people in. That combination made him the kind of man you respected and adored in equal measure. Ray and the love of his life, Mary Ann, were lucky enough to travel all over the U.S. and the world, cultivating friendships along the way. They also knew how to bring their family and friends together around a good celebration. They hosted "Noche Buena" Christmas gatherings that everyone looked forward to all year, had memorable St. Patrick's Day shindigs, and enjoyed throwing Tampa sports teams parties, cheering on their beloved Bucs and Lightning. Ray loved the game of golf and played most of his life. In his retirement years, Ray became a familiar face at Bellair Country Club, where he played golf almost every day. He was quite a cook and was known for his signature dish, chicken paprikash. He adored his grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. In his later years, he kept himself active exercising at the local YMCA, attending neighborhood block parties, making his famous soups, reading James Patterson, watching his favorite show “Two and a Half Men”, and enjoying a visit or good meal out with friends and family. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Walter Smith Sr. and Margaret Devlin Smith; his brothers, Robert Smith and Gerald Smith; his wife, Mary Ann Diaz Smith; his ex-wife Suzanne Murphy Smith; and his son, Jeffrey Smith. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Smith, Suzanne Peacock, and Eveann Peacock Terrett, and grandchildren, Jack, Mackenzie, Ryan, Fisher, Gavin, Allison and Brook Lyn who carry forward his spirit. A man of quiet faith, Ray found comfort in his religious beliefs and his family takes solace knowing that he will be reunited with Mary Ann and those who went before him. He leaves behind a family and a wide circle of friends who will miss his presence, stories, silly Irish jokes, and that unmistakable mix of strength and gentleness that made him who he was. A Celebration of Life will be held at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club in Tampa on October 11 from noon to three. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Ray's memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org/donate. Rest in peace Ray / Dad / Poohpop. You were loved, and you always will be.