Rawley D. Smith

Rawley DeWitt Smith peacefully passed away on March 9, 2025, in King, Wisconsin. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 25, 1935. Rawley attended high school in Mill Valley, CA, before going on to study at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

In 1957, Rawley joined the Army, achieving the rank of E-3 as a PFC and an expert rifleman. After his service, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management and worked for Beckman Instruments. While in Colorado, he met his future wife, Bettie Blum, and they married in 1965. Shortly after, Rawley accepted a job at a bank in California, while Bettie worked as a kindergarten teacher for the Los Angeles school system. During this time, Rawley pursued and obtained his master’s degree in Business Administration. They welcomed their son, Jeff, in 1968 and their daughter, Michelle, in 1971.

In 1972, Rawley and Bettie moved their family to Wisconsin, where Rawley joined his father-in-law’s Christmas tree business in Waupaca. As the business evolved into real estate development, Rawley transitioned into home building. In 1983, he became a real estate appraiser, later earning his commercial appraisal license. He continued his career in commercial appraising until his retirement in 2017.

Rawley and Bettie became "snowbirds," purchasing a mobile home near the Peace River, close to the Gulf of Mexico. They loved to travel and explored many countries through Road Scholar programs. Rawley had a deep passion for aviation, volunteering at EAA AirVenture for 30 years, selling tickets. He even had the opportunity to ride the Concorde to Canada, breaking the sound barrier, and flew in a B-17.

Beyond his professional and aviation interests, Rawley loved gardening and cherished his 1972 GMC pickup truck, "Old Blue." He enjoyed taking family and friends to the Chain O’ Lakes for kayaking adventures. Rawley was also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 47 years. Even in his later years, he remained dedicated to serving others by volunteering for Meals on Wheels and driving people to their doctor appointments in Appleton.

A man of deep faith, Rawley was a devoted Christian who believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He and Bettie attended Faith Community Church in Waupaca.

Rawley is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Bettie; son, Jeff Smith (Noreen); daughter, Michelle "Missy" (Trace); granddaughters, Lindsey, Taylor, and Lilit “Cat”; sister, Janice Condit (Jerry); sisters-in-law, Barb Luebke and Mary Dombrowski (Len); as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless friends, including those from his AA community.

A memorial visitation will be held for Rawley from 9-11 AM on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Faith Community Church, N2541 County Rd K, Waupaca, WI 54981 with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM.  Rawley will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, WI.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in his name. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers at AMC, ThedaCare Hospice, and the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King for their incredible kindness and support.