Jimmie "Jim" Ray Smith

Jimmie Ray Smith, “Pa”, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, in Vidor, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.

Born on January 17, 1937, in Glenmora, Louisiana, Jimmie lived a life marked by service, generosity, and faith. He proudly served in the United States Army for four years, stationed in Washington State. After his military service, he built a long and fulfilling career in the fire equipment industry, most notably with Beaumont Fire Extinguisher Services, where he found both purpose and community.

Jimmie’s greatest joy was serving others, whether it was his family, church, or neighbors. He was a faithful and active member of Pine Forest Baptist Church in Vidor, TX, where he devoted his time to the Food Bank Ministry and other acts of service. He lived out his faith daily, embodying the spirit of a cheerful giver and lifting those around him with kindness and care.

Jimmie was known throughout the community as someone who delighted in blessing others. After the passing of his beloved wife of 61 years, he found a unique way to spread joy, by giving away toy fire trucks to children he encountered around town. He cherished the smiles and excitement that lit up their faces with each small gift. In just two years, Jimmie gave away more than 2,000 fire trucks, always keeping at least 15 in the backseat of his truck, ready to brighten a child’s day.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elaine Smith; his parents, Reverend Basil E. Smith and Linnie Eva Smith; his father and mother in law Leonard and Annie Berry, his brother Bobby Smith; his sister Pat Smith; brother in law Floyd Berry; sister in law Gloria LeDoux and brother in law Oley LeDoux; sister in law Janis Smith, and his great-grandson Austin Garrett Powell.

Jimmie is survived by his special companion, Joan White, who brought friendship and comfort in his later years. He is also survived by his 2 daughters, Kathy Wright and her husband Glen, and Terri Stewart and her husband Steve, Jr all of Vidor. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Dustin Wright, Heather Powell and her husband Justin, Jimmie Wright and his wife Sara, all of Vidor, Brent Roye and his wife Stacy of Montgomery, TX and Brittni Castilaw and her husband Cody, of Buna, TX, 7 great grandchildren, Cameron, Jaslyn, Kynlee, Noah, Avery, Quinn and Aubree.

He is also survived by his brothers, Bill Smith of Orange, TX; Kenneth Smith and his wife Tammy of Tarkington, TX; George Smith of Dallas, TX; and his sister, Becky Hamilton and her husband Ronald of Ragley, LA, sister in law Anne Berry of DeRidder, LA, brother in law Harold McInnis of Lufkin, TX, sister in law Peggy Smith of Westlake, LA, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He will be deeply missed by many, but his legacy of generosity, devotion, and faith will live on in the lives of all who knew him.

A celebration of Jimmie’s life will be held on August 9th at 10am at Memorial Funeral Home in Vidor, TX. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9am-10am at Memorial Funeral Home.