Clyde Ray Smith “C. Ray”, age 76 of Leisure Lake, IA passed away Friday, October 7, 2022 with his wife Teri by his side.  He was born July 27, 1946 and was adopted almost a year to the day later by Clyde and Martha (Maxey) Smith.

He grew up showing cattle and working the family farm.  Shortly after entering the Air Force, he had to return home to run the family Dairy farm.  After getting out of the farming business he worked for Harvester which transferred him and his family to Sandwich, IL , where he joined the local Volunteer Fire Department.  Then transitioned into an over the road truck driver where he finished out his career in the Teamsters Local 710 Union and drove for Cassens Transport as a Car Haller. 

He loved watching Dale Earnhardt race cars, the Minnesota Vikings Football team and the Iowa College Football once he moved to Iowa.  In his spare time, you would find him in the garage rebuilding engines with his son and his friends, teaching his daughter how to change her car oil and later in life he would build mini semi-trailers, sleigh shelves and bear benches.  When not spending time with his kids he would be riding his motorcycle.

C. Ray was united in marriage on September 19, 1992 to Theresa “Teri” Vickers at their home in Sandwich, IL by his cousin, Pastor Jack Smith.  Following the beautiful backyard biker wedding, they celebrated with a hog roast surrounded by family and friends.  After a few years they moved to West Brooklyn, IL eventually making Iowa their home.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years Theresa “Teri” Smith, his children Jason (Windy) Smith, Vanessa (Paul) Davis and their mother Charlene Kulas Smith; grandchildren Zach (Amanda) Ruppert, Mason (Chloe) Ruppert, Victoria (Nick) White, Reese Smith and Reagan Smith; great grandchildren Callie Ruppert, Brooklynn Ruppert, Ruby Ruppert and Joanna White; siblings Dale Smith, JoAnne Smith and Erlene Pleitner; brother in-laws, Gary Vickers and Scott (Andrea) Vickers; as well as nieces, aunt’s, uncles, cousins; and Julie Evens a special friend who helped care for him.

C. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Martha (Maxey) Smith; sister in-law Donna Smith; his in-laws Alan and Judith (Cooper) Vickers and a brother in-law David Vickers.

Visitation at 2:00 pm until the Hour of Service at 4:00 pm on Wednesday October 19th, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church 1019 Wesley Drive  Maquoketa  IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

A Memorial Motorcycle ride will also be held later next summer with the date TBD.

Arrangements by Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory in Dubuque, Iowa.