Paid Notice: Ray (Raymond) Smith, an extraordinary arborist, horticulturist, outdoorsman, and devoted steward of the natural world, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care, with his wife, Amy, by his side.
Ray was born on June 2, 1947, in Mineola and raised in Freeport on Long Island. His mother was Carmen Smith (nee Rivera), a homemaker, and his father was Raymond Smith, a salesman. He grew up In Freeport is where he developed an early appreciation for nature that would shape the course of his life.
Ray’s career in arboriculture began at the age of 20. In 1972, he became a partner at Eastern Tree Experts in Southampton, New York. During those years, he was deeply influenced by the pioneering work of Dr. Alex Shigo, whose groundbreaking research laid the foundation for modern arboriculture and inspired Ray’s lifelong commitment to the health and preservation of trees. In 1993, Ray founded Ray Smith & Associates, Inc., beginning with just three employees and a single pickup truck. Under his leadership, the company grew to more than 40 dedicated professionals, becoming one of the East End’s most respected providers of arboricultural and landscape care services. His knowledge, integrity, and passion for his work earned him the admiration of clients, colleagues, and friends alike.
For more than twenty years, Ray also served as Director of Horticulture at LongHouse Reserve, the renowned 16-acre sculpture garden and arboretum in East Hampton, New York. Working alongside founder Jack Lenor Larsen, Ray helped transform and revitalize the gardens into one of the world’s most celebrated sculpture landscapes. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Jack named one of LongHouse’s signature features, the Cryptomeria Allee, Ray’s Way, in his honor.
Ray also served as a horticultural advisor to Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island, sharing his expertise to help preserve another important historic landscape. Through both his company and his personal generosity, he supported numerous nonprofit organizations across the East End, quietly giving back to the community he loved.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray’s second great passion was fishing. Whenever he found free time, he and his terrier Sadie could be found on the waters around Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, and Fishers Island, or traveling farther afield to pursue memorable fishing adventures in the Amazon Basin, Alaska, the lakes of Canada, the waters of Mexico, and the coasts of Maine, Florida, and Kiawah Island, South Carolina. For Ray, fishing was more than a pastime—it was a source of peace, friendship, and joy.
Ray will be remembered not only for his remarkable knowledge and accomplishments but also for his kindness, humility, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help others. He left every place he touched more beautiful than he found it and enriched the lives of all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Amy, Ray is survived by two stepson’s, Brian and Paul Charles; his sister Norma; the family of his late sister, Joan; his nieces; and many extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and countless people whose lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kanas Center for Hospice Care, whose compassionate staff provided Ray with exceptional care during his final days.
https://eeh.org/ways-to-give/donate/
Services will be held on Thursday 8/6 at Yardley and Pino funeral home, Sag Harbor, New York, wake 11
o’clock until 1:30 PM followed by Dowlings in Sag harbor from 2 to 4 PM
