James Ray Smith

James Ray Smith, was known best to family and friends for his kind soul, sense of humor and distinctive laugh. He was born on October 11, 1945 in Houston, Texas to Nelson Lee Smith Jr. and Betty Edwards Smith. After a brief illness and hospital stay, he passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the age of 78.

In 1965, James graduated Milby High School and joined the United States Army the following year and was stationed at Fort Polk, LA before going on to Germany and Vietnam, in 1967. While serving his 4 years abroad, James received The National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Vietnam Unit Citation Medal, and The Commendation Medal along with the Medal of Good Conduct. Upon his return home from service, James worked for The United Gas Pipeline in their customer service department from 1971 -1975 and was a member of the Park Place Baptist Church. James was fascinated with all things electronic and loved to dismantle and reassemble, circuit boards. He enjoyed researching interests on his computer, his extensive library of movies and was currently adding to his coin and stamp collections.

James is survived by his brother, Wayne Smith and husband, Dennis Lyons; niece, Lynn Andrews and husband, Craig, cousin, Karen Henderson and husband, Terry; cousin, Tyrrell Harvey, along with other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nelson Lee Smith, Jr.; mother, Betty Smith Fowler, stepfather, James M. Fowler, Sr. his brother, Nelson Lee Smith, III, and cousin, Mike Harvey.

James will be laid to rest alongside his family in a private ceremony, at Forest Park Lawndale.