Raymond Hilt Smith went to be with the Lord on April 2, 2022 at his home in Lake Kiowa surrounded by his loving family. He will be laid to rest at Glen Cemetery in Bluff Dale at 2pm on April 9,  2022.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Raymond Smith will be held at Temple Baptist Church at 1811 East California Street in Gainesville at 2pm, on April 10, 2022.

Raymond was born in Bishop Texas to Clara and Spurgeon Smith on July 7, 1926.  He Graduated from Bishop High School as Salutatorian.  He started working for Santa Fe Railroad at the age of 18yrs. He married Cleo Watson on May 3, 1947 in Temple, Texas.  Raymond retired from Santa Fe after 43 years. Raymond built the 3 homes with his own hands, where he and Cleo raised their family.  He moved to Lake Kiowa in 1980.

He was a devout Christian and a former member of the First Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church with current membership at Temple Baptist Church in Gainesville.

Raymond was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66years, parents and brother, SC Smith and his wife Louise.

Raymond is survived by his children, eldest Luke and wife Deanna, daughter Penny Keith and husband Todd LaLonde, youngest son Roger and wife Sandra: grandchildren, Sheila and husband David Plunk, Lisa Smith, Clara and husband Ed Wolff, Kris Keith and wife Richa, Kyle Keith and wife Renee, Kara Keith and husband Tony Gallardo, and Fayde Hunter Smith; great grandchildren:  Katie, Kendra, Maci, Haley, Jaci, Eben, Beau, Emily, Ella, Sammi, Adalynne and Eden; great great grandchildren: Luke Eli, Olivia, Miles, Roman, along with many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

The family of Raymond Smith would like to extend our sincere thanks to Larry Huffman, Dan Holder, Judy Blanton, O'Shan Klaus, Doris Ritchie, and the members of the Temple Baptist Church for always remembering Raymond and visiting him. The visits, cards and prayers were TRULY cherished. God Bless each and every one of you.