Friday, May 28, 2021
Sorry to hear about ole Raymond. He and I became buddies, even tho we didn’t see each other that often. Me, Gena, and our granddaughters camped in our RV on their farm many times at their annual Farm Party. We loved the creek, the cabin, and the great rural setting in beautiful Sequatchie Valley. I enjoyed the vast area to ride ATVs. Raymond was a big fellow who commanded respect. He just had that admirable quality about him. At first glance, you just knew he knew a lot. On our camping trips on their farm, Raymond would always come by our campsite in his always immaculate big four wheel drive pick up truck and we’d shoot the bull for a little while before the events of the day got started. We’d talk about guns, trucks, fish, farming, trailer hitches and all that stuff that’s really important to guys. Raymond enjoyed showing me his trucks and farm equipment. And he once took me on a tour of his great welding shop. I’ll miss that ole boy. — David Smith in Strawberry Plains, TN (Raymond’s brother-in-law Bill and I are lifetime great friends. We’ve played more bluegrass music together than the law allows).
