Raymond James Smith Jr.

R.J. was born on October 26, 1944 to Raymond James, Sr. and Ruby Lee Smith in Bryan, Texas as the oldest of two sons. He learned the value of hard work, service, dedication, and humility growing up on his parents' dairy farm. This led to his involvement in Future Farmers of America and later row crop farming along with his work career. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1963. He married Barbara Ann Gerdes on June 26, 1965. After graduating high school, he went to Durham Business College. He began his work career at Alenco and retired from Alcoa in Rockdale after 35 years of service with a Career Safe Worker Award, working his entire career without a lost time injury. He was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church for most of his life, serving on church council and numerous committees. He was an active member of Deanville Volunteer Fire Department since its inception in 1978. He served as the fire department president for 37 years, leading many successful fundraisers and expansion of fire department facilities and equipment to better serve the fire fighting needs of western Burleson County. In addition to the fire department fundraisers, he and Barbara worked at the Deanville Sons of Herman fundraisers and helped cook numerous pots of chili for community fundraisers including Relay for Life, Deanville Fairboosters, and Deanville Memorial Park. He was honored with the 2011 Burleson County Forever Young Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year. With his dedication to civic organizations and his willingness to serve all members in the community, he was fondly thought of by many as "mayor of Deanville". R.J. was known to be the hub of information for all local happenings. He truly loved his community and was proud to serve. Aside from community work, R.J. enjoyed being on a tractor working his land or tending to cattle with the many friends he considered family. Speaking of family, he was 110% available for anything his children or grandchildren needed. As proud as he was of his children and community, he was even more proud of his grandchildren. They truly were his pride and joy. There is no telling how many miles R.J. put on vehicles in his life for his children and grandchildren. His family was not complete without his faithful dog companions throughout his life. He never met a dog that he didn't quickly bond with. Serving others with love and humility fueled him.

He is preceded in death by parents, R.J., Sr. and Ruby Lee (Dworsky) Smith; brother, Charles M. Smith; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnnie and Lorine Gerdes; uncle, Andy (Libby) Smith; aunts, Glady (Marvin) Dvoracek, Norma (Frank) Kubin, and Willie Mae (Reid) Philp.