Ray Armstrong Smith

Ray Armstrong Smith, being the 4th child of seven, was born in a small town in, Mississippi, to Albert Lee Smith and Emma Mae Smith on August 2, 1941. As Ray once told us, he left his hometown at the tender age of 17 on the back of a pulpwood truck, traveling to Florida for what he called greener pastures. Ray spent some of his younger years in Bradenton, Florida until he moved to Winter Park, Florida where he met his soulmate, Earthalene Richardson. The two lovebirds spent over 50 years together, birthing 4 girls together. The man affectionately known as “Ray” was loving but not affectionate, very giving and trustworthy. He was often seen telling jokes and fussing with his friends about the bible. Of course, the things he said were wrong most often, but he was loud and proud when he misquoted a verse. Ray also prided himself in having taught his children how to become hard workers and honest, law-abiding human beings. He was known by many as a respectable, honest and compassionate person to all that encountered him. But we are sure that he will be most remembered for his quick wit and snappy comebacks. If he said it, he said it with his chest and meant it. Ray definitely made use of his 81 years on this earth, and although he will be greatly missed, we know that he’s in a better place. On January 21st, 2023, Abba Father decided that He needed another angel and called him home at 1:13 pm. His departure is a deep and personal loss to his family and friends and he will be greatly missed by them all. Ray was preceded in death by: his parents, Albert Lee and Emma Mae Smith, his brothers, Carvin Smith, Grady Smith, Albert L. Smith and John T. Smith; his sister, Lillie Bell Johnson; his bonus son, James L. Richardson. He leaves to cherish precious memories to a loving soulmate of 50 plus years, Earthalene; four children: Cassandra Smith, Carolyn Smith, Bonnie Smith and Emmily Richardson, all of Winter Park, Florida; a bonus daughter: Ursula Reese of Orlando, Florida; one brother: Arthur N. Smith of Starke, Florida; sixteen grandchildren: Kelvin Harden, Jr., Therion Coston, Erica White, Al’Querria Evans, Iguria Evans, Quillis Freeman, III, Khariohn Richardson, RayShawn Burks, Princess Henry, Okay Henry, Kayera Henry, Raquel Cobbs, TaShonda Williams, Brooke Austin, Khizai Richardson and Curzavis Bing; twenty six great grandchildren; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Ray Armstrong Smith

August 2, 1941 - January 21, 2023