Ray Smith

Ray Smith

Born March 7, 1925   Passed November 29, 2024.

Ray was the son of Bronson Cooper Smith and Leslie Wigley Smith. He was raised on a small farm in Emilee, outside of Woodville. Ray joined the Army in WWII and fought in the South Pacific. He was a Medic in the infantry and fought in some of the most fierce battles, i.e. Guadalcanal, Bougainville and Leyte.  He was shot three times and was awarded two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for bravery. Ray worked at the Texas Company which was later Texaco in Port Arthur, Texas for 39 years as a pipefitter. Ray was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge for 67 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy Nadeen Lloyd Smith, Brother, Vernon Cooper Smith, and Sisters, Mildred Rotan, Joyce Arisco, and Sybl Knudsen.

He is survived by his sister Wilma Cesak of Houston, his son Lloyd Ray Smith and daughter in-law Paula Curtice Smith of Silsbee and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray loved to hunt and raise a large garden.  He was known for being outspoken and loved to laugh and tell stories. Ray never met a stranger and will and made friends easily.

But most of all, Ray truly loved his family very much and truly loved his country. Ray will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him, especially his son Lloyd Ray.

A Graveside Service will be held 10:30 AM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Ebenezer Cemetery in Woodville, Texas, with a gathering of family and friends from 9:30 AM until service time at the cemetery.