Zachie Ray Smith

   Zachie Ray Smith, 78 of Marion, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.  Zachie was born on July 23, 1945, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Oakley and Lillian Smith.  He graduated from Benton High School in 1963.  He proudly served our nation as a Chief Petty Officer for the United States Navy. He retired after 21 years of service.  After the military he worked as a maintenance engineer for Boeing in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  He retired from that career after 20 years.

After retirement in 2015, Zachie relocated to Marion, Illinois to be near his family.   He has enjoyed spending time with his family, especially family game nights.  He loved to fish, golf, bowl, watch sports on television and occasionally sing karaoke.  He frequently rooted for the Saints and the Chicago Cubs.  

His daughters jokingly labeled him as cantankerous, opinionated, and someone who often spoke his mind but also very loving and had a heart of gold.  He would offer you the shirt off of his back if he thought you needed it.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 147, Moose Lodge 2193, and the Shrine Club.

He is survived by his daughters Michele Bartels, and Patti Smith; his grandchildren Danicka Ramirez, Cody Dawson, Aaron Bartels, Dylan Dawson, and Sloan Orlovich; his sisters Billie Jo Weir, Cheryl (Earl) Pate, and Charlene Stricklin; along with several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sue Smith; his father Oakley Smith; his mother Lillian (Robert) Hall; his sisters Sally Hamilton and Donna Smith; and the mother of his children Linda Vinyard.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home.  Graveside services and full military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion, with Pastor Robbey Smith officiating. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research.

Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave online condolences.

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