Raymond Charles Smith, Jr., 68, 5th generation BOI, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012, at UTMB Hospital.

Affectionately known as “RayRay” to his mother and “Smitty” to his friends, Ray was born June 16, 1943, in Galveston to Wanda and Raymond C. Smith Sr. He received his B.B.A. from Lamar University. Ray was a constant fixture from a young age helping run Smitty’s Bait Camp, the family business. In 1979 he joined Marathon Oil Company where he worked as an operator until he retired in 1998. While at Marathon, Ray was part of a team that received numerous safety awards and he was also a member of Marathon Oil’s Volunteer Fire Department.

Ray was a recreational hunter and fisherman. He loved to work in his gardens, both growing beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. No crossword puzzle could beat him. He was an avid reader and loved history. He was just beginning to test his talent at welding art. Ray was a very gifted home improvement specialist. He and his wife Susan, beautifully renovated several homes. He loved spending time at his ranch and the home he built there. Ray was a member of DeMolay was well as a member of St Peter’s the Apostle Catholic Church where he was active in the Men’s Club. He also coached Little League and Pony League baseball.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, Raymond C. Smith, Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Wanda Lou Smith; wife, Susan Jeanne Tamalenus Smith; daughter, Michele Marie Smith Grymes and husband Derrol; sons, Mark Alan Smith and wife Denise, and Branton Delaney Smith and wife Mika; sister, Wanda Jo Smith Grunwell and husband Mark; grandchildren: Parker Delaney Smith, Calyn Renee Grymes; Douglas Ray Grymes; and Ella Nicole Grymes; aunt, Charlotte Dunn; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Ray’s family will receive visitors from 5:00 until 7:00 pm, Monday, April 2nd, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 3rd, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson.

Pallbearers will be Derrol Grymes, Jerome Kunz, Stephen Melcer, Sonny Taromina,John Edward Venzke, and Richard Williams.