Raymond Arnett Smith

Raymond Arnett Smith, 65, of Bluefield, WV, formerly of Jenkinjones, WV, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on Saturday, February 13, 2016. Raymond was born in McDowell County, WV on April 7, 1950 to the late Elizabeth Smith. He received his early education in the WV public school system and was a graduate of Gary High School. He was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Jenkinjones. In 2000, Raymond re-dedicated his life to Christ and was baptized by Rev. Weldon Holliday, Sr. Raymond spent many years living in Youngstown, Ohio and was employed at Vallie Mold Steel. In addition, he worked for the Pageton Head Start in Pageton, WV and Koons’ Ford in Baltimore MD. Raymond enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching football and his “cowboy pictures” -- as he would call them. On most warm days - from sun up to sun down - you could find him sitting outside in his chair watching the trains go by. Raymond was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Smith, two sisters, Shirley Smith and Norma Jean Smith; and nephew Eric Cecil Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Kristie Dalton of Columbus, Ohio; three brothers: Cecil Norvel (Patricia) Smith, and Anthony “Pig” Smith both of Bluefield, WV and Larry Smith of Jenkinjones, WV; one sister Monique (David) Rash of Bluefield, WV; two nieces: Felicia Forrest and a very special niece Desiree Smith; four nephews: Cecil Norvel Smith, Jr., Quintten Smith, Brandon Tabor and Anthony Woods; two great nieces: Alonah Baker and Kendallyn Tabor; two very special aunts: Lucille Glover and Lula James of Youngstown, Ohio and a host of other relatives and friends. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 20 at Craven-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV. Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m., with Elder Michael Barnes, Officiating – Apostle Roger Walton, Sr. of Abundant Life, Eulogist. Burial will follow the funeral at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Bill Banks, Jerome Price, Charles Martin, Maurice Dudley, Eric White and Marcus Baker.