HR0290 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0290 LRB102 18432 MST 26414 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Ray C. "Bugs" Smith of Onarga, formerly of Carterville, who passed away on December 1, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Ray Smith was born in Marion to Ruth Stone on December 17, 1963; he married Lenore Hoeksema in Watseka on October 14, 1999; and

WHEREAS, Ray Smith worked as a maintenance supervisor for T&D Metal in Watseka; and

WHEREAS, Along with Glenn and Betty Koets and Pastor Jim Small, Ray Smith helped establish the Garage Community Center in Gilman; he was passionate about the mission of the center, as he wanted to give the youth of the community a safe and fun place to gather; he served as president since it was founded; and

WHEREAS, Ray Smith was dedicated to his community and served on the Onarga Library Board, as an election judge, and as a precinct committeeman; he was an active member of the Gilman Old Boys and Girls committee and was the coordinator and master griller at the Hometown Foods cookouts for both the Garage Community Center and the Onarga Christian Church, where he was an active member and also served as a Sunday school teacher and worked with the youth group; he was deeply committed to his faith, fun-loving, and an avid Cardinals fan; he will be remembered as someone who brought people together and motivated them to work for the common good; when there was a need, he was the first to say yes, the first to show up, and the last to leave; and

WHEREAS, Ray Smith was preceded in death by his daughter, Madeline Smith; his mother, Ruth Smith; and his grandparents, Ray and Opal Stone; and

WHEREAS, Ray Smith is survived by his wife, Lenore; his stepdaughter, Xynora Jackson; his siblings, Bernadine (Dean) Vaughn, Steve (Caroline) Smith, Jeff (Susan) Heesch, Paul (Glennda) Smith, Don (Janet) Smith, Jim (Tammy) Smith, and Kenny (Lisa) Stone; his special aunt, Ruby Ottolini; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ray C. "Bugs" Smith and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ray Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.