Raymond A. Smith of Thomasville, Georgia and Manistee, Michigan. Raymond was born on Apr 3, 1906 in Thomasville, Thomas County, Georgia to William Smith and Mary Hardy of Thomasville, Georgia. Mary was the daughter of Bill and Evalina Thomas Hardy of Metcalfe. Raymond died on Mar 14, 1989 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Manistee, Manistee Co., Michigan.

 

Raymond and his wife Anna Mae Ross Smith, formerly of Metcalfe, and their nine children, were honored as the NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE FAMILY OF THE YEAR in 1962. See attached newspaper clippings.

 

Edith Wilson (1896-1981) as Aunt Jemima in a 1956 appearance at the Manistee National Forest Festival held during the week of the 4th of July. I've attached a picture of the front and inside of a Christmas card she sent to the Smith family as well as photo of "Aunt Jemima Breakfast Club" button. Also attached is Jesse Owens picture.

 

Olympian Jesse Owens, who won four golds in 1936, poses for a photo with Raymond A. Smith (left), and a Unidentified player. Owens used to go to Negro leagues games and race against players.

 

Submitted by: Alonzo Hardy