Raymond "Ray" Smith, Jr.

Mr. Raymond Smith Jr. was born to the now deceased Lu Alice Williams and Ed Martin on January 16th, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised by his aunt, Grace McNairy and uncle, Mack McNairy.

Raymond was united in Holy Matrimony to Mrs. Virginia Ann Smith. Our holy father blessed them with seven children: Raymond Smith III, Eric Lorenzo Smith, Rodney Jerome Smith, De-Borah Renee Gravett, Ver-Gina Wondara Smith-Kundinger, Gerrard Lamont Smith and Troy Allen Smith.

Raymond joined the US Army on the 29th of August, 1958 where he served for 27 years. Raymond served in the Infantry, Legal and Signal Corps during his service to our country. He participated in 4 campaigns during Vietnam and was highly decorated for his service. Because of his aptitude for technology, he learned COBOL and Fortran and helped to create some of the first computer systems for the US military and continued this work later as a civilian.

His hobbies included fixing clocks, collecting coins, bowling, singing in the choir, making jewelry for his wife and daughters, and playing Phase 10 or Uno with his family until the early hours of the morning.

Mr. Smith leaves to cherish his memory: daughters-in-law, Sandra, Dina and Emily; sons-in-law, Tim and Dennis; grandchildren, Donulette, Chiron, Raymond IV, Gerrard and Tamara, Christina and Valerie, Eric, Jennifer, Brad, Rachel and Darrell, Jamie and Journee, and Nataly, and 28 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Lloyed Martin, Cecil Martin and Sylvester Martin and sisters, Ermma Martin, Susu Martin and Mary Martin.

On Wednesday, October 7th, 2020, God embraced Raymond in his arms, enfolded him in his love and took him to his heavenly home.