Ray Franklin Smith

Ray Franklin Smith, 87, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, shortly after being admitted to St. Bernards Hospital, passing peacefully of natural causes while surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born on October 16, 1937, in Albany, Kentucky, and raised in Jamestown, Tennessee, where he met his late wife of nearly 65 years, Wanda June Tinch Smith. Together, Ray and Wanda built a life centered on family. Their first child, Patsy Jo Moriarty, was born in Jamestown before the family moved to Woodstock, Illinois, where they welcomed their second and third daughters, Mary Melissa “Missy” Gossett and Melinda “Mindy” Marie Holcomb.

In 1986, the Smiths relocated to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where they lived until their passing. On May 5, 2019, Ray was baptized into Christ and became a faithful member of the Brookland Church of Christ. He was devoted to serving God, honoring his beloved wife Wanda, and cherishing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. One of Ray’s greatest joys was sharing stories from his younger years while gathered with family and spending time at the family cabin, which reminded him of his childhood home in the Appalachian Mountains.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Allen and Lillie Pearl (Beaty) Smith; his brother, Willie Asby Choate; his sisters, Dorothy Marie Stephens, Wilma Glee Atkins, Betty Jane Stowers, and Norma Jean Conatser; and his granddaughter, Aleah Holcomb.

He is survived by his three daughters: Patsy Moriarty and husband Greg; Missy Gossett and husband Allen, whom Ray loved as a son; and Mindy Holcomb. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Aaron Gossett, Buffie (Moriarty) Bivona and husband Sean, Hannah Gossett, Avery Holcomb, and Addison Holcomb, as well as his great-granddaughter, Rhiannon Howard.

Ray is also survived by his brother, James Allen Smith and wife Peggy; his sisters, Glenna Ruth Jewell, Glenda Faye Parker, and Wanda Lou Conatser; his many nieces and nephews; and his niece who was like a daughter to him, Jo Conatser.

Ray will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Arkansas, beside his beloved wife Wanda and near his granddaughter Aleah.