In Memoriam

Professor Raymond A. Smith

04/06/1923 - 10/24/2004

Teacher, actor, director, designer, renowned storyteller, and great patron of the arts, Raymond Alfred Smith passed away Sun., Oct. 24, 2004, following a lengthy illness. He was eighty-one years old. Born April 6, 1923 to Julie Beck and Alfred Thore Smith in Cleveland, Ohio, Ray served in the United States Army as an infantryman during World War II and later as a court reporter at Fort Meade, Maryland. Ray was very proud of his service to his country, traveling to France for the 50th anniversary of D-Day and to Washington, DC, for the dedication of the World War II Memorial. Using the GI Bill to attend Case Western Reserve University, Ray earned B.A., M.A., and M.F.A. degrees in theatre and began his teaching career at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Kent State University. In 1961, Ray began teaching at the University of Kentucky Theatre Department. His illustrious and varied teaching career at UK lasted for 27 years. In 1989, he retired and was honored as Professor Emeritus from 1990 until his death.

After his retirement, Ray further demonstrated his dedication to theatre education by endowing the Raymond A. Smith Scholarship, which he joyously presented to the scholarship recipients himself. He served on the board of directors for Actors Guild of Lexington from 1986-2002 and later as Member Emeritus.

It was during Actors Guild's 1993-94 season that Ray suggested an annual awards ceremony to recognize the season's best shows, designers and performers. Approved unanimously by the board and staff, the Raymond A. Smith Excellence in Theatre Awards were created. "Smittys," as they are lovingly known, are Lexington's own version of Broadway's Tony Awards. Smittys continue to be given each year at an Actors Guild gala affair and are a fitting tribute to a theatre artist whose five decade career was characterized by excellence. Ray made substantial contributions to the theatre community at large, performing in companies such as Universal Pictures, The Lost Colony, the Cleveland Playhouse, the Centennial Theatre, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Lexington Musical Theatre.

His last appearance on stage at UK was as in the touchingly memorable role of Gus the Theatre Cat in a student showcase of Cats. His last performance in the community was in Phoenix Theatre's Tartuffe. A dedicated theatergoer, Ray could be seen at the opening night performances of nearly all UK and Actors Guild shows. An avid patron of the arts, he also attended many UK Art Museum and Lexington Philharmonic events and performances. Ray was a devoted pet owner and lover of animals and an enthusiastic supporter of the Lexington Humane Society.

Contributions to the Lexington Humane Society are requested.

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