Hammas "Ray" Smith, 94, of Lake Charles, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Lake Charles Memorial. He was born to his late parents, Raymond and Cecle Smith on May 12, 1924 in Jennings, LA. He was a member of Christ The King Catholic Church serving as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, where he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal. He was a Heavy Duty construction man, working for The Whites and The Cormiers. Some of his hobbies included gardening, cutting grass, running his vegetable wagon, and riding his bicycle. Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Willie "Billie" Smith; one son, Kenneth Smith and wife Darlene of Lake Charles; daughter-in-law, Liz Frederick; brother-in-laws, Waldon Brashear, Carl Kober; sister-in-laws, Rena Richard, Betty Chandler (Connie), Leatrice Chandler (Speedy), Peggy Trahan (Willard), Charlotte Johnson, Doris Smith; grandchildren, Sheri Adams (Don), Shonna May (Dale), Keith Smith (Shana), Troy Smith (Tasha), Steven Smith (Misty); great grandchildren, Kade, Rickey, Lakyn, Scott, Ryder, Alyson, Canaan, Morgyn, Hunter; great great grandchildren, Bentley, Elijiah, Ava Kate; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray is preceded in death by his son, Ricky Dale Smith; granddaughter, Billie Ray; parents; brothers, Newton Smith, Roy Smith, Lawrence Smith, Clifford Smith; sisters, Viola Dyess, Effie McCain, Ethel Duplechain, and Lorena Murphy.
Services will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles at 10:00am on Monday, December 3, 2018 with Father Wayne LeBleu officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, with a Rosary at 6:00pm. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Monday from 8:00am till the time of the service. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank the staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Dr. Lafuria, and staff of Brighton Bridge Hospice for their exceptional care given to Ray the last couple weeks of his life. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
