Jimmy Ray Smith, Sr. 's Obituary
Memorial service for Jimmy Ray Smith, Sr. of Longview will be at 2pm April 9, 2016, at Rader Funeral Home Chapel, Longview, Texas with Dr. James Tanner officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the memorial service between 1-2 pm.
Jimmy was born January 25th, 1932 in Selman City, Texas one of twelve children to Ina Belle Dansby Smith and Joel Humphrey Smith. He passed away March 31, 2016 at age 84. Jimmy enjoyed golf, fishing, bowling, playing dominos and his yard.
He was employed by Texas Eastman for 33 years. Retired as a supervisor of records and engineering in 1991. He received an honorable discharge from the Air Force. He was a sergeant in the 46th Air Rescue Squadron (Mata) Westover AFB, Mass. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. Attended Pine Tree High School, graduating in 1950 where he played football and basketball, and attended North Texas State in Denton, Texas.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Joe, Glen and Jack and six sisters Melba, Edith, Katherine, Dorothy, Laura, and Gloria. Six brothers-in-law and three sisters–in- law.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 50 years, Mary Elouise Smith. Two sons Jimmy Ray Jr. and Johnny Lee Smith. Three grandchildren Marty and his wife Emily Smith; Jennifer and her husband Wesley Sessions; and Kyle Landry Smith and fiancée
Kylie Arment. Three great grandchildren Lucas Aston Smith, Brennan Paul Sessions and Dixie Lee Sessions. Two brothers Gary Smith and George Smith. Sisters -in -law Nettie Marie Smith and Dorothy Smith. Two very special daughters-in- law Gwen Smith and Sheila Smith. Also eight nieces and fourteen nephews and numerous cousins and their families.
Memorial donations may be made to Life Care Hospice of Longview, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of Jimmy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jimmy?
Share a story where Jimmy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jimmy you’ll never forget.
How did Jimmy make you smile?