Raymond Lee Smith

Raymond Lee Smith, age 77, of Clarksville, Tennessee transitioned peacefully on August 3, 2023, in Nashville, TN surrounded by his family.

The Houston, TX native was born August 9,1946, to the late Robert Lee Smith and Youree Dell Kyles Smith.  In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by his brothers, Robert Wardell Smith, and Edward James “Doc” Smith; sisters, Margaret Elizabeth Whiteside, and Mildred “Dee” Turner.

Raymond confessed his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized. He became a member of Fifth Ward Baptist Church in Clarksville, TN where he enjoyed singing in the choir during that time.

Raymond attended Dodson Elementary School, Ryan Jr. High School and graduated from Jack Yates High School. In 1966, Raymond was drafted into United States Army as a soldier for the Vietnam War where he completed two tours. While enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry as a Heavy Antiarmor Weapon Crewman, he excelled in leadership as a Sergeant and served as a Drill Sergeant training troops. He led his soldiers with authority, courage, passion, and confidence.  During his time in the army Raymond was awarded many badges, medals and ribbons such as the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Assault Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Campaign Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with “60” Device, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (2), the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), and the Good Conduct Medal (5^th Awd). He retired in 1987 as a drill sergeant.

Raymond was also a licensed barber, a janitor with Clarksville Montgomery School System, owner/ operator of a lawn care business and retired for the 2^nd time from Trinity Marina in Ashland City, TN.

In 1969, Raymond married Bertha M. Stowe, in this union they had two children. Raymond was well known to many as “Red”, “Smitty”, or “Cowboy” as he loved to wear his spurs, cowboy boots, bolo ties, large belt buckles and cowboy hats. His love for music, singing and dancing paired with his enormous charm and great sense of humor qualified him to always be the life of the party.

Raymond leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Bertha Stowe Smith; son, Darius (Nell) Smith of Bowling Green, KY and daughter, Hevenile Dawn (Otis) Robertson of Lebanon, TN; grandchildren, Kystamion “Stamie” Kawai, Darius “Dee” Smith, Elijhah Smith, Journei Robertson, and Joziah Robertson; sister, Edith Smith; uncle, John Kyles Sr; special sister-in-law, Brenda Stowe Jackson; special niece, Shantel Smith, special nephew, Marquis Stowe, special cousin, Barbara Jean Armstrong; long-time friends, AJ Hayden, Jesse White, Terry Dixo, Mark Dickerson and Steve Gold; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.