Ray Smith

Floyd Ray Smith was born on May 1, 1928, in Wingate, Texas to Charles and Naomi Wells Smith. He died on October 22, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. He entered this earth 15 minutes before his twin brother, and he always bragged about being the oldest twin. At the age of two, the family moved to Clovis, New Mexico where he eventually met the love of his life, Josephine Puckett, in Training Union at the First Baptist Church. While in high school, Ray was involved in many activities, but his claim to fame as a Clovis Wildcat was that of cheerleader. After high school, he attended Hardin Simmons University for a brief time. He then returned to Clovis where he married Josephine on May 16, 1948. They moved to Amarillo where he worked at Piggly Wiggly, Amarillo Hardware and sold life insurance.

After the birth of their two sons, the family moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico where he began his long career as a furniture salesman. His employer transferred him to Hobbs in 1958 where he lived until 2023. In 2023, he moved back to Amarillo to an assisted living community which quickly became a home away from home.

Ray and Jo were charter members of Taylor Memorial Baptist church. He was one of the first deacons and served faithfully until his move to Amarillo in 2023. He served Taylor Memorial in many ways through the years. His last service was that of Senior Adult Minister, working in that capacity until he was 92 years old. He loved Taylor Memorial, serving the people and doing the Lord’s work. He also served on several boards and committees with the Baptist Convention of New Mexico.

In 1976, along with his two sons, he purchased Marshall Furniture in Lovington, New Mexico where he worked until he retired in the mid-90s. At that time, he and Jo built a store off of their house on Grayson Street called The Corner Cottage Gift shop which was open until 2008.

Ray loved the Lord, his family, his church family, and growing flowers. He has left a lasting legacy for all those who knew him and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Smith and Naomi Wells Smith, an older brother Charles, his twin brother Lloyd Rex, and his beloved wife Josephine Puckett Smith.

Ray is survived by his oldest son Ron (Frances) of Tatum, New Mexico, a son David (Debbie) of Amarillo and a daughter Karen House (Reggie) of Hobbs, New Mexico. He is also survived by his pride and joy – six grandchildren, Brian Smith, Melody Smith, Jennifer McDaniel, Cody Smith, Tanner House, and Ty House, along with 16 great grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service to remember Ray at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church in Hobbs, November 8th at 10:00 am.