In loving memory of Melvin Ray Smith, 86 of Newport born on July 21, 1926 and departed this life on April 3, 2013 at Lewis-Gale Montgomery Hospital in Blacksburg. He was the son of the late Hampton French and Roberta Williams Smith. Melvin was a professionally self employed trucker but was happiest in car No. 10 at New River Valley Speedway in Dublin or at Franklin County Speedway at Calloway. He was a veteran of the U S Army, WW II. Earlier in life he had been employed at the Celanese Plant near Narrows.

He is survived by sons David Smith of Radford and Billy Smith of Blacksburg; step-daughters and caregiver Angela Hoilman of Newport and Naomi Hurley of Newland, NC; grandchildren Jade, Austin, Trista, Travis and great granddaughter Khloe.

The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow St., Pembroke, Friday evening from 6 until 8 pm. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday at 10:00 am in the Newport Cemetery at Newport. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.