Dennis Ray Smith

Dennis Ray Smith, 73, of Vinton, passed away on January 3, 2021, at his home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Damon Bickham. Burial will follow at Nibletts Bluff Cemetery in Vinton.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Oakdale, Louisiana, on October 9, 1947, he was the son of Ruben Smith and Peggy (Cole) Smith. Dennis proudly served in the United States Air Force and went on to work as a supervisor for Dupont for many years. He was a devout Christian and faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He loved being outdoors and spending his time deer hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Dennis was a family man most of all and never missed a moment with his grandchildren whom he adored. He was a loving husband, father, PawPaw, and “Unc” who will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Peggy Smith; and Vera “Two Mama” Dixson whom he considered a second mother.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Jonnie Smith; children, Scotty Smith of Fort Worth and Joyce Frederick and significant other, Mark Miller of Bridge City; grandchildren, Hunter Frederick, Hayley LeJune, and Aaron LeJune; great grandchildren, Matthew Granger, Riley LeJune; Amelia LeJune; and Layton Tyler; brother, Steve Smith and wife Pamela Romero Smith of Vinton.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rocky Smith, Dustin Smith, Baylor Smith, Brock Smith, Beau Smith, and Gray Smith. Junior pallbearers will be Beck Smith and Eli Smith.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heart of Hospice and the nurses, Misty, Emily, and Janna for their excellent care during Mr. Smith’s last days.

The family request that quests be mindful of social distancing as well as have a mask.