Obituary for James Ryland Smay
James Ryland Smay, 91, of Clearfield, passed away Thursday February 4, 2021 at his residence after a lengthy illness.
Born August 25, 1929 in Clearfield, he was the son of Raymond and Ursula (Passmore) Smay. Mr. Smay was retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator and had also work for a short time for Crown Crest Memorial Park and Smay Monuments.
He was a lifetime member of the Centre Grove United Methodist Church, had served with the Army National Guard and was a U S Army veteran of the Korean War, was a lifetime member of the Hyde Volunteer Fire Company, the Clearfield American Legion and VFW, was a member of the West Branch Sportsman Club, and was a member of the former Susquehanna Grange in Curwensville.
He also was the recipient if the Carnegie Hero Medal for rescuing a two-year old girl from an oncoming train near Hogback on March 13, 1946 when he was sixteen years old.
On June 30, 1956 in Clearfield, he wed the former Elizabeth Alberta Dixon who preceded him in death on May 17, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughters Sandra Seybold and Betty Louise Smay; sisters Isabella Smay, Josephine Swatsworth and Norma Anderson; and a brother Rev. R. Bruce Smay.
Surviving are four children: James Smay and Harold “Harry” Smay both of Clearfield; Patricia Hahn and husband Gary of Curwensville; and Pamela Berger of Delaware; and three grandchildren: William Hill and wife Jody, Samantha Hill and Philip Hill all of Clearfield.
Also surviving are seven siblings: Robert L. Smay of Anchorage, Alaska; Elizabeth U. “Betty” Cadden of Delaware; Clyde Smay and wife Marcia and Joseph Smay and wife Madelyn both of Clearfield; Mary Marassa and Roy Smay and wife Dorothy both of Florida; and Richard Smay and wife Ethel of Grampian; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
There will be no public visitation.
Private Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Centre Grove United Methodist with the Reverend DeAnn Newhouse officiating. Interment will be in the Centre Cemetery in Clearfield.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either: the American Cancer Society * 108R N. Second Street, Suite #1B * Clearfield, PA 16830 or the Centre Grove United Methodist Church * 1100 Village Road * Clearfield, PA 16830
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born August 25, 1929 in Clearfield, he was the son of Raymond and Ursula (Passmore) Smay. Mr. Smay was retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment operator and had also work for a short time for Crown Crest Memorial Park and Smay Monuments.
He was a lifetime member of the Centre Grove United Methodist Church, had served with the Army National Guard and was a U S Army veteran of the Korean War, was a lifetime member of the Hyde Volunteer Fire Company, the Clearfield American Legion and VFW, was a member of the West Branch Sportsman Club, and was a member of the former Susquehanna Grange in Curwensville.
He also was the recipient if the Carnegie Hero Medal for rescuing a two-year old girl from an oncoming train near Hogback on March 13, 1946 when he was sixteen years old.
On June 30, 1956 in Clearfield, he wed the former Elizabeth Alberta Dixon who preceded him in death on May 17, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughters Sandra Seybold and Betty Louise Smay; sisters Isabella Smay, Josephine Swatsworth and Norma Anderson; and a brother Rev. R. Bruce Smay.
Surviving are four children: James Smay and Harold “Harry” Smay both of Clearfield; Patricia Hahn and husband Gary of Curwensville; and Pamela Berger of Delaware; and three grandchildren: William Hill and wife Jody, Samantha Hill and Philip Hill all of Clearfield.
Also surviving are seven siblings: Robert L. Smay of Anchorage, Alaska; Elizabeth U. “Betty” Cadden of Delaware; Clyde Smay and wife Marcia and Joseph Smay and wife Madelyn both of Clearfield; Mary Marassa and Roy Smay and wife Dorothy both of Florida; and Richard Smay and wife Ethel of Grampian; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
There will be no public visitation.
Private Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Centre Grove United Methodist with the Reverend DeAnn Newhouse officiating. Interment will be in the Centre Cemetery in Clearfield.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either: the American Cancer Society * 108R N. Second Street, Suite #1B * Clearfield, PA 16830 or the Centre Grove United Methodist Church * 1100 Village Road * Clearfield, PA 16830
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant a tree in memory of James Ryland Smay, visit the Tribute Store.
Events
Event Information
Services are private.
Cemetery Details
Location
Centre Cemetery
Washington Avenue
Hyde, PA 16843
Memorial Contribution
American Cancer Society
108R North Second Street
Suite 1B
Clearfield,, PA 16830
Suite 1B
Clearfield,, PA 16830
Centre Grove United Methodist Church
1100 Village Road
Clearfield, PA 16830
Clearfield, PA 16830
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