Age 85, Luray, Va.
Lex Magowan Smith, 85, of Luray, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Whispering Pines Assisted Living.
He was born on October 1, 1940, in Alexandria, VA, and was a son of the late Alexis Smith and Patricia Karig Ruffner.
Lex enjoyed wood carving. He loved horses and grew up taking care of his mother’s horses at her riding school, Patty’s Riding Stables, in Burke, Va. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed hiking and Native American history. He even lived on the Mattaponi Indian Reservation, near Richmond, Va., with Chief Custilo for several years.
Lex was self-educated in advanced math. This knowledge allowed him to work as a surveyor for the Smith Mountain Lake Project. He worked locally as a brick mason’s laborer. Lex also enjoyed vacationing in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
In the mid-1970s, he moved to Luray and that became his home. He lived more than 20 years on the farm of his close friends, Jesse and Monique Dodson.
Lex is survived by a sister, Robin Williams of Warrenton; three half-sisters, Devon Schreiner, Alexandra(Zan) Smith Thomas, and Mary Keith Ruffner; and his friends and caregivers, Jesse and Monique Dodson of Luray.
He was preceded in death by a half-brother, Richard Ruffner.
The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, at the Bradley Funeral Home, with the service to follow. The service will be conducted by Evangelist Doug Gochenour. Burial will be in the Huffman Family Cemetery in Luray.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Choices in Luray.
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