Raymond Leroy Smith, long-time resident of Shafter, passed away on Monday, April 7 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado at the age of 84. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shafter Cemetery to say goodbye to this beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend. Ray, known by many as "Good Brother," was born February 20, 1924 in Huntington Beach, California to parents Levi and Opal Smith. As a young man, Ray served proudly in the U.S. Navy and was a World War II veteran. He moved his family to the Central Valley in the late '60s to pursue his life-long career in agriculture. Ray worked for Jackson & Perkins/Bear Creek Corporation for many years while simultaneously farming his own vineyard during nights and weekends. When he retired at the age of 71, Ray joined his wife of 49 years, Barbara, in her Wasco-based business, "Good Brother Antiques." Last November, Ray moved to the Denver, Colorado area to be near his daughter and her family. He will be remembered for his hardworking demeanor and optimistic, cheerful nature. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents Levi and Opal; brothers Louis and Eugene. He is survived by his sister, Vivian; daughter and son-in-law, Suzette and Jeff Morgan; and grandchildren, Spencer and Tyler Morgan.