Ray Samuel Smith Jr. was born on June 30, 1928, to Fannie Pruitt and Ray S. Smith, Sr, one of six children, with two sisters, Vivian Smith (deceased), and Yvonne Smith, as well as three brothers, Rodney Smith (deceased), Joseph, and Aaron Smith. He was also one of those rare people who were actually native Houstonian.

Even more rare, he was someone who actually walked the walk, showing his children and his community what integrity, honor, dedication, and faith actually looks like.

Like many of his era, Ray served his country in the military as a sergeant in the Army. As a demolition expert and mechanic, he taught and trained soldiers while stationed in Germany before returning home with an honorable discharge. Upon his return Ray attended Texas Southern University, studying math, and it was while at the university that he would meet Margaret Julia Richard Smith, whom he described as beautiful and more importantly to Ray, holy. Ray would go on to marry Margaret and together they would build a rich and satisfying life. Together Ray and Margaret would have six children; Anthony (Wife, Cynthia), Marisa, Monica (who would pre-decease him), Gerard (Wife, Christine), Julie, and Vincent. Ultimately, he would also have three grandchildren; Jessica (deceased), Gerard, Jr and Jibril Smith, and three great grandchildren; Zaari, Aya, and Reyah Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

Affectionately known as Pops to his children, Ray was a family man and the solid rock of his family, always encouraging his children to be their best at whatever they set out to do. He enjoyed traveling and organized many wonderful family vacations in the US and abroad. A hardworking man, he was a realtor, auto mechanic and service station owner, a career which led to his hobby of rebuilding engines for drag racing. He was a trailblazer in the transportation industry for blacks in Houston being one of first franchisees with Yellow Cab.

He was known with his community as being a charitable man with a big heart and he was dedicated to living a life of service and charity; asking God every day to make him a blessing to everyone he encountered that day. A longtime member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Houston, Texas, Ray was a prayer warrior who practiced his

Catholic faith attending mass and spending time in Eucharistic adoration. He was truly a man who exemplified the Beatitudes of Matthew 5: 3-12.

Ray Smith died on July 24, 2025 having lived a full and deep life. As in Hebrew 12, he truly ran with perseverance the race set out for him, eyes always fixed on Christ. We remember him well and we endeavor to do the same.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife Margaret Smith; parents Fannie and Ray Smith, Sr.; daughter Monica; sister Vivian; and brother Rodney Smith.

He is survived by his daughters Julie Smith and Marisa Lewis, sons Anthony Smith, Gerard Smith and Vincent Smith; sister Yvonne Smith; brothers Aaron Smith and Joseph Smith; Ray was also survived by his two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77025, with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow at Houston National Cemetery at 1:00 P.M.