Smith, Melvin Ray

In loving memory of Melvin Ray Smith, 86, of Newport, who was born July 21, 1926, and departed this life April 3, 2013, at Lewis-Gale Montgomery Hospital in Blacksburg. He was the son of the late Hampton French and Roberta Williams Smith. Melvin was a professionally self-employed trucker but was happiest in car No. 10 at New River Valley Speedway in Dublin or at Franklin County Speedway at Callaway. He was a veteran of the United States Army, World War II. Earlier in life he had been employed at the Celanese Plant near Narrows. He is survived by sons, David Smith, of Radford, and Billy Smith, of Blacksburg; stepdaughters and caregiver, Angela Hoilman, of Newport, and Naomi Hurley, of Newland, N.C.; grandchildren, Jade, Austin, Trista, Travis; and great-granddaughter, Khloe. The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow St., Pembroke, Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. Graveside services will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday in the Newport Cemetery at Newport. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.