Joseph Wayne "Ray" Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, businessman, and friend, passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 28, 2026, at the age of 95. He was born on June 22, 1931, in Brownwood, Texas, to Benjamin Arvel Lee Smith and Elvie Ruby Weatherman.

Ray's life was a remarkable testament to perseverance, hard work, and quiet generosity. Growing up in poverty and facing a difficult childhood, he developed an unwavering belief in the value of hard work, careful saving, and wise investing. Those early experiences shaped not only his success but also the practical wisdom he generously shared with those around him.

A gifted athlete, Ray lettered in three sports while attending Nevada High School in Missouri, graduating in 1951. It was there that he met Barbara Ellen Williams, whom he married in 1952. During the Korean War, Ray proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was stationed at the US Naval Air Station in Olathe, Kansas for two years and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve for four additional years. Following his military service, he and Barbara settled in Tulsa, where Ray earned a degree in accounting from the University of Tulsa.

Ray began his professional career in accounting and banking, but his entrepreneurial spirit ultimately led him to residential real estate. Over many decades, he owned and managed numerous rental properties, creating a successful business through discipline, determination, and countless hours of hard work. A personal attribute that benefited him in his real estate ventures was his remarkable ability to fix almost anything. Whether renovating a home, repairing an appliance, or tackling a project others thought impossible, Ray took pride in demonstrating patience and ingenuity while working with his hands.

While Ray was a successful businessman, those closest to him will remember him most for the way he expressed love. He wasn't one for grand speeches or elaborate gestures. Instead, he cared for others through acts of service-repairing, building, helping, and quietly showing up whenever someone was in need. His generosity was practical, dependable, and deeply heartfelt.

On April 23, 1983, Ray married the love of his later life, Linda Sue Luckfield Beaver. Together they built a life centered on family and devotion. In the final years of his life, Ray demonstrated the depth of that devotion by lovingly caring for Linda with extraordinary patience, tenderness, and selflessness. His unwavering commitment to her reflected the character that defined his entire life.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond "Caundy" Smith; and his son, Kevin Smith. He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his son, Terry (Jonalyn) Smith; Linda's children, Jeffrey (Suzanne) Beaver, Lorri (Chris) Beaver Gillman, Stephen (Tammy) Beaver and

Michael (Kim) Beaver; together, their family includes six children, eighteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by Ray's steadfast love, wisdom, and example.

Ray leaves behind a legacy not measured by the properties he owned or the businesses he built, but by the integrity with which he lived, the work ethic he modeled, the problems he solved, and the countless acts of service he quietly performed for those he loved. His life reminds us that true wealth is found not simply in what we accumulate, but in the lives we enrich through faithfulness, humility, and love.

His family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on in the values he instilled, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma at Montereau on Monday, July 20th, at 10:00am. A graveside service will follow at Calvary Cemetery, where Ray will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma (https://cceok.org/make-an-honor-or-memorial-gift/) in memory of Ray.