Ernest “Ray” Smith, 71, “headed home” Wednesday, April 13th, 2016. Farewell services are Saturday, April 16th, 2016, at 11:00AM in the Chapel of the Kilpatrick Funeral Home, at 1200 Lamy Lane, Monroe. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, LA under the direction of the Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe.A long-time resident of Sterlington, Ray was of the Baptist faith. He was a retired Mechanical Supervisor for Entergy. A quiet man who loved to spend his time with his family, his idea of a vacation was being able to mow the yard and work around the house. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Lee and Hazel Johnston Smith. Survivors include his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Margaret Bledsoe Smith; two loving and devoted daughters, Ursla and Donna Smith; two brothers, Wayne and John Smith; a sister-in-law, Edith Sandifer and her husband, Harold; and a number of nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 10:00AM until service time on Saturday, April 16th, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe.