Johnny Ray Smith

Johnny Ray Smith, 73, passed away on July 29, 2025 in Tyler, Texas. He was born June 3, 1952, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Elvin McKinley and Elodia Lara Smith.

Johnny enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served for 21 years. He married the love of his life, Pamela Phillips Smith on December 17, 1983.

He will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers James Smith and Jerry Smith..

Johnny is survived by his wife Pamela Smith of Troup; sons, Steven Richard Smith and Kirsten of Abilene and Sean Michael Smith of Troup; sister Martha Louise Smith of Tennessee;  4 grandchildren, Emily Grace Cole, Olivia Jane Smith, Silas Cash Smith, and Michael Anthony Smith; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Johnny Smith will be Friday, August 15, 2025 @ 9 am at the Dallas Ft Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway. Main gate Lane 4 to pavilion with honor guard service and prayer to follow by Johnathan Perry. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Cottle Home, Troup.

My father, Johnny Ray Smith, both strong and incredibly kind, was quick-witted and funny, full of
knowledge and stories he could recite at a moments notice. It was often hard to tell which of his many
great qualities was more prominent.
From an early age, it was clear that my dad was destined for greatness. He was a natural talent, a rather
talented handyman just like his father, he built many many things including garages, sheds and home
improvement amenities, utilizing his immense electrical and plumbing expertise together we built my
home just as his father built for his family. Johnny was a gifted guitar and bass player whose love for
music inspired me to follow in his footsteps. His passion for classic cars, especially muscle cars, was a
lifelong pursuit that he shared with my brother. They spent countless hours together, creating
cherished memories as talented mechanics, a skill my dad began to hone early on at his fathers full-
service gas station resulting in a career after his duty in the military as a certified master mechanic
My dads life was a testament to duty, perseverance, and excellence. He served our country for 21
years in the Air Force, retiring as a respected Master Sergeant. Yet his talents extended far beyond his
professional life. Whether it was hunting or fishing, he seemed to excel at everything he put his mind
to. He made friends easily and treated them with an unwavering loyalty that they returned in kind.
Above all else, my dad was a family man. His duty as a father to me and my brother was unmatched. The
smartest man I ever known, full of wisdom and guidance. He was also a loving and devoted husband,
together the two of them shared a love that spanned 42 years of marriage that faced any challenge with
a strength and grace that only true love could
There are so many things I learned from my dad, but one of the most important lessons was to take in
and cherish every moment, no matter how small. He taught me to relish the good, accept the bad, and
always listen with an open heart and mind.
That's how he lived his life, and a legacy we will all carry forward. We will
miss you, Dad. We Love you, Rest in peace.

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