Raymond Alvin Smith

Raymond Alvin Smith was born on February 13, 1944, in New Orleans, LA, to the union of Laurence Smith, Sr. and Lolita Green Smith. Raymond was the youngest of four children. He enjoyed spending time with his older siblings, but his biggest joy came from tagging along with his older sister, Yvonne, to concerts and parties. Raymond grew up in the 6th Ward of New Orleans and attended St. Peter Claver Catholic School. He was a proud graduate of St. Augustine High School (Class of 1962). As a “Purple Knight,” Raymond displayed his vocal talents as a member of the Glee Club. After High School, Raymond served in the U. S. Army, and he later enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard Reserve.

In 1967, while attending a wedding, a beautiful young woman named Theresa Farve captured his attention. On April 19, 1969, Raymond married the love of his life, Theresa. From this union, two beautiful daughters, Rey Terese and Tracy Renee, were born. Theresa and Raymond enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Raymond’s family was his pride and joy! He loved watching Westerns and listening to music with his wife, binge-watching television, following sports, running errands with his daughters, talking on the phone with Yvonne, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Raymond had a gift of storytelling. He enjoyed telling stories about history, music, and New Orleans culture. But he got a kick out of telling stories about fictional characters he developed. Raymond had two favorite holidays, Mardi Gras and the NFL Draft!

Raymond was more than a music enthusiast, he was a connoisseur who savored good music. During his younger years, his passion for music motivated him to work part-time in the industry. Raymond used to love sharing his knowledge of music with everyone and displayed his exquisite taste in music during fashion shows produced with his wife and daughters. Raymond spent his career working for the Federal Government at the Veterans Administration, U. S. Coast Guard (USCG), and Small Business Administration (SBA). He retired from the U. S. Coast Guard Reserve in 1995 and from SBA in 2000. After retirement, Raymond continued to use his talents and expertise to serve as a consultant to small businesses and nonprofit agencies.

Raymond was a God-fearing, devout Catholic who held on to his faith until the very end. He prayed for his family daily and instilled values of compassion, love, generosity, and integrity in his children and grandchildren. He took pride in being a provider and the patriarch of his family. Raymond was a dedicated member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Raymond, age 81, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his daughters, Rey and Tracy. Raymond was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, but became a resident of Houston, Texas, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Raymond is survived by his cherished daughters: Rey T. Smith, Tracy Smith Goudeau, and Cebrina Sanders; grandchildren: Chelsey Zardes, Razzak Akorede, Rufaiyyat Rian Akorede, Justin Watson, and Fredrick Fisher; great-grandchildren: Caiden McClain and Anaya Jones; sister: Yvonne Smith Dukes; Nephew/Sons: Karlin Dukes, Jr. (Warrenetta), Randy Dukes (Tanya), and Ryan Dukes; Sisters and brothers in-love: Kara Smith, Doris A. Farve, Mary Bailey, Ann Duplessis, and Margie Farve, Joseph Bernard Farve, Sr., Lawrence Farve, Sr., and Earl Bailey, Sr.; Godchildren: Karlin Dukes, Jr., and Toyin Idewu; lifelong family friend: Anna Dalmas Larche; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Raymond was preceded in death by his loving wife, Theresa Farve Smith; parents: Laurence Smith Sr. and Lolita Green Smith; and siblings: Laurence Smith Jr. and Roy Smith Sr.

All relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend wake services on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A vigil service will begin at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 19222 TX-249, Houston, TX 77070. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.