Ray Bernard “R.B.” Smith was born February 24, 1946 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the late Booker Squire Smith and Pearl Lee Works-Smith. He was the fourth of five children. On December 7, 2023, R. B. transitioned to eternal rest. He passed away at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Booker and Pearl Smith, his sisters Mildred Duncan and Virgie Mae Smith-Harrison, his brother Maurice Smith (Cherry), and nephew Dexter Daniel Harrison (Mary).
He and his siblings grew up in a Christian home. They attended Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. His father, Deacon Booker Squire Smith taught Bible study in their home and encouraged young people to accept Christ. R.B. confessed hope in Christ at an early age. He was baptized and became a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John H. Nolen. He served in the church and sang in the choir. He had a smooth tenor voice and led two of his favorite songs, “God Has Smiled on Me” and “He Will Remember Me”. He was later ordained as a deacon under Rev. Kerry Newburn, and served in that capacity for many years. In 2000, R.B. and Pearlie became members of Breath of Life Church under the leadership of Pastor Kerry Price, Sr. On April 6, 1968, R.B. and Pearlie Mae Hughes were united in marriage. They were married 55 years (until his death). They are the parents of Lawanda Faye and Rosaland Raynette (Lawrence). They are the grandparents of Gabrielle Raynette, Lawrence Arnette IV, Preston Bernard, and Garland Lenard. While raising their children, R.B. and Pearlie taught them that God is the ultimate source of whatever they need. With a deep love for Christ, he and his beloved wife Pearlie operated in the Ministry of Help. They gave out of the abundance of whatever God had given them. While sharing out of their abundance, they shared the Word of God and led others to Christ. Having a love for gardening and canning, they shared their harvest with family, friends, and those in need. R.B. attended Indiana Street Elementary School, and Southeast High School. He graduated from Southeast High School in 1965. He attended AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) where he took up Masonry and received instruction in brick laying from Dr. Alexander Mazique.
R.B. began his work experience working at the Republic Steel Mill of Chicago, Illinois. He also worked one year at Central Maloney in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He worked in the Mechanical Department as a carman and welder at the Cotton Belt, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific Railroad companies. He was a member of one of the first groups of African Americans hired by the railroad company in Pine Bluff. He was a valued and faithful employee. He retired from the Union Pacific railroad after forty years of service.
R.B. really enjoyed sports and choir. He played one year of basketball at Southeast High School. He lettered in football and played defensive lineman under Coach Ulysses Grant and Coach John Eubanks. His athletic gifts have passed to his grandsons with whom he often shared tips and advice. He enjoyed singing in the choir under the direction of Mr. Henry Shead. During his adult life, R.B. was a pitcher for the Pro’s Men’s Softball Team.
He was a wonderful, devoted, and protective husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He loved to laugh, tell stories, watch western movies, and enjoyed the simple things in life. He was kindhearted and held his family very closely. He loved to eat his wife’s cooking, not leaving a morsel of food.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 55 years, Pearlie Mae Smith; two daughters Lawanda Lewis of Pine Bluff, AR, and Rosaland Davis (Lawrence III) of Little Rock, AR; four grandchildren, Gabrielle R. Davis, Lawrence A. Davis, IV, Preston B. Davis, and Garland L. Davis all of Little Rock, AR; one sister, Mattie P. Collins (Kenneth Sr.) of Pine Bluff, AR; the longest living cousin, Dorothy Cheathom of Flint, MI; a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Breath of Life Church with Pastor Kerry Price officiating. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery by Paradise Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
Visitation will be Friday, December 22, 2023 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Paradise Funeral Home.
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