Memorial service to honor missing Wytheville man

A service honoring the memory of Israel Ray Smith, a 29-year-old Wytheville man who vanished without a trace over a year ago, has been set. It will be held Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at Door of Hope Fellowship, 878 Shuler Hollow Road in Chilhowie, with Pastor John Chapman officiating.

“It’s been over a year,” remarked Smith’s mother, Debbie Bates. “We’ve done everything we can as a family and there’s been no word from him. We want to do something to bring as much closure as we can.”

When Smith, an employee of Radio Shack in Wytheville, failed to arrive at work on March 10, 2008, his boss contacted the Wytheville Police Department. Smith’s apartment was unlocked as was his vehicle.

According to Capt. Rick Arnold, there is an ongoing investigation into Smith’s disappearance. It is no longer a primary investigation.

“That’s not to say we aren’t still concerned,” Arnold said earlier this week. “We’ve exhausted all avenues. We’ve not heard anything more.”

Bates said she has no contact with the police department since August 2008.

“I do think he’s dead,” Bates stated. “I never did think he was alive when no one in the family heard from him.”

The memorial service, she said, will give family and friends a chance to honor Smith and pay their respects.

“He was the oldest grandson,” his mother pointed out. “All the cousins looked up to him.”

Smith’s grandparents, Kyle and Joyce Sexton live in Smyth County. Smith’s older brother, Daniel Smith, resides in Wytheville.

Door of Hope Fellowship is located near Joines Meat Processing Plant in Chilhowie.

Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .