Raymond L. “Smokey” McGraw, age 75, died on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Rutland Regional (Vt.) Medical Center.
He was born on April 10, 1934, in West Pawlet, Vt., the son of William and Gertrude (Dennison) McGraw.
Smokey joined the U.S. Army in 1954.
He was employed at the Brandon (Vt.) Training School, and retired after 29 years when the school closed down.
Smokey was a social member of both the Granville Hook and Ladder and the North Granville Fire companies. His favorite pastime was playing bingo and spectating at the stock car races. He loved taking short car trips and of course the daily treks to Scotties. Smokey knew how to enjoy life.
Survivors include his life partner Kathryn Ripley; one brother, Oscar and his wife, Karin, of Granville; and four sisters, Jennie Hudy, Marion Redmond, Maxine Dickinson and her husband, Mike, all of Granville, and Alice Stannard of Rutland. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and “adopted nieces and nephews,” including Susie, Johnny and Walt.
He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, Kenneth, William, John and Donald, as well as one sister, Doris.
A funeral service was held at Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville, on Monday, June 15, with the Rev. Robert Flower officiating. Burial followed at Mountainview Cemetery in West Pawlet. Calling hours were held at the funeral home on Sunday, June 14.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Granville Rescue Squad, POB 153, Granville, N.Y. 12832 or the Haynes House of Hope, POB 285, Granville, N.Y. 12832.
