Kelly R. Smith

Kelly Ray Smith, 64, passed away on January 6, 2026, following a year-long battle with lung cancer.  

Kelly Ray was born in Muncie, Indiana, on May 15, 1961, and spent time in Muncie and Parker City until his family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, in the late 1960’s.  Upon returning to Muncie several years later, Kelly Ray attended Muncie Central where he played football and graduated in 1979.  Kelly Ray followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 855, in 1983.  

Kelly Ray proudly worked as a union electrician until his retirement in 2025.  Kelly Ray was truly one of a kind and lived life on his own terms.  Kelly Ray was an avid reader, always had a dog in his life, and will always be remembered for his love of music, his sense of humor, his happy-go-lucky attitude, and his ability to recount almost every moment of his life.  Kelly Ray truly loved people, and if he met you, he never forgot you.  

Kelly Ray was predeceased by his wife, Sheila Smith, and father, James Smith.  He is survived by his daughter, Kyla (Dustin) Bisel and stepdaughter, Jodi Stevens; granddaughters, Emrie, Charlie and Aubrie Bisel; sister, Malia (Rod) Braun; mother, Kaye Smith; niece Jamie Hannis, nephew Jessie Hannis; girlfriend, Patty Henry; beloved dog, Pooky; and extended family, Phil and Julie Hulse, Michelle Hulse Johnson and Jennifer Jas.  

The family would like to acknowledge the amazing outpouring of support that Kelly Ray enjoyed during the last week of his life.  In his own words, “This has been one of the best weeks of my life”, “the end celebration could not have been scripted any better”, and I am “totally content, proud and happy”.  What an amazing attitude to have at the end of life – but that was Kelly Ray.  

With those parting thoughts from Kelly Ray, the family has elected not to have services at this time.  A celebration more fitting for the larger-than-life character that was Kelly Ray may be scheduled at a later time.  “Love brothers and sisters, always”, Kelly Ray.

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