RAY Smith, one of the best known businessmen in Sandy, died at the weekend after a long battle against cancer. He was 56. Brought up in Letchworth GC where he went to Norton School, Mr Smith ran Spicers, a groundworks company based in Bedford Road, Sandy,

RAY Smith, one of the best known businessmen in Sandy, died at the weekend after a long battle against cancer. He was 56.

Brought up in Letchworth GC where he went to Norton School, Mr Smith ran Spicers, a groundworks company based in Bedford Road, Sandy, which he started 28 years ago.

He leaves a wife Phyll and eight children.

He came from a family of eight children and was just 11 when his mother died. His father died aged 57.

A stalwart of the Sandy Chamber of Trade, Mr Smith was a generous man and strong supporter of local charities.

His widow, Phyll, who married Mr Smith in November 2004 after 10 years of being together, said her endearing memory of her late husband was when he first asked her out for a date.

"He was driving along Bedford Road in his JCB and just stopped and asked me out," said Phyll.

"I have never forgotten that day. We had seen each other around Sandy and on the spur of the moment saw me walking along and just stopped his big machine and asked me out."

Mr Smith was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 1999 and after 18 months in remission the cancer returned. The couple eventually moved from their cottage in Bedford Road to a house in King's Road where he could be cared for more easily.

"The last year was a very hard struggle as Ray always fought hard to cope with the illness," said Phyll.

"He was a wonderful man who had so many friends. Sandy will come to a standstill at the funeral next Thursday."

A horse drawn hearse will lead the funeral procession from the family home to St Swithun's Church in Sandy at 2pm. The family say all friends will be welcome at the service and afterwards at a reception at the Conservative Club.