James Ray Smith

James Ray Smith, 86, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 17, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in Center, Texas.  He was born on April 24, 1937, in Center, Texas, to the late Perry Buren Smith and Grace Louise (Whitton) Smith. 

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Sardis Pentecostal Church, Center, Texas, with Bro. Todd Jenkins and Bro. Lamar Rash officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Ray was born in Shelby County. He attended Sardis and Center schools and was raised in the Sardis community. Ray loved the Lord and served him faithfully at Sardis Pentecostal Church.

Ray is survived by:

Sons:

Jimmy Ray Smtih and wife Jackie

Van Buren Smith

Daughter:

Shelia Smith Kennedy and husband John

Patti Brown

Sister:

Virginia Lemoine

Grandchildren:

Drew Kennedy and wife Chloe

Aaron Kennedy and wife Sara

Ali Kennedy

Sam Smith

Nate Smith

Great-Grandchild:

Collins Kennedy

Numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends all of which he loved deeply.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Warr Smith; daughter, Rena Smith; parents, Perry and Grace Smith; brothers, Wayne Smith, Jerry Smith; sisters, Edna Smith, Frances Snow, and Odessa Smtih Weaver.