Raymond “Bo” Smith, age 80, of Keokee, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. Bo was a proud veteran, respected educator, and faithful Christian whose life was marked by service, kindness, and a deep love for the people around him.
Born on September 24, 1945, Bo was the son of the late Walter H. Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Smith. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Anne Smith; brothers Alfred Smith and Walter H. Smith, Jr.; and sisters Betty Harvey, Rosa Lee Adkins, and Wanda Darlene Williams.
Bo proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 until 1966, attaining the rank of Specialist 5. During his military service, he spent one year stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He carried the values of duty, honor, and commitment throughout the rest of his life.
Following his military service, Bo dedicated his career to the Lee County School System, where he worked for many years before retiring. He genuinely loved his students and believed education extended beyond the classroom. He took pride in helping young people become responsible, hardworking, and caring adults. His influence continues through the many lives he touched throughout his career.
An avid outdoorsman, Bo found great joy in fishing the rivers and lakes of Southwest Virginia and spending time in the mountains bear hunting with friends and family. Some of his happiest moments were spent outdoors, enjoying God’s creation and sharing stories with those he loved.
Bo was of the Baptist faith and a faithful member of Cloverfork Missionary Baptist Church. He lived his life according to Christian principles and found comfort in God’s promises. One of his favorite scriptures was Psalm 23:1:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving partner, Zelma Shubert; his son, Alfred Raymond Smith; and many extended family members, friends, former students, and colleagues who will remember him for his gentle spirit, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to others.
Bo will be remembered as a man who served his country, invested in his community’s children, and appreciated the simple joys of life. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his faith, service, and example.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon – 1:00pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue, W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Paul Davis, Jr. and Lowell “Cotton” Gardner officiating.
Burial will follow in the Morris Cemetery, Keokee, VA.
Pallbearers: Alfred Raymond “Wally” Smith, Billy Livesay, Austin Bocock and Charlie Parker.
Honorary Pallbearers: Gerald Williams and Donnie Adkins.
Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that his life’s work is complete and that he now rests in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Smith family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.