Jimmie Ray Smith, 75, a lifelong resident of Harrisburg departed this life on Thursday ~ February 24, 2022, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born March 28, 1946, in Corinth, Mississippi, the son of A. J. and Marie Yow Taylor.
His parents preceded him in death. Also preceding in death were two sons: Sean Allen Smith and Thomas Ray Smith.
He graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1964 and married the love of his life, Kathryn Thomas on May 30, 1965, and they have enjoyed 56 years together. He served his country in the Arkansas National Guard from 1964 to 1988. He was very active in the community being Cub Scout Leader, serving in Jaycee and also serving as a City Council member. After 42 years working at Quality Farm Supply, he retired to stay home and enjoy life. He spent many years working in his garden and took pride in the hard work that he put into his yard. He has made many great memories with his friends and family over the years and treasured every chance he got to spend with his loved ones. He loved his wife and was so proud of the life they built together. They faced many hard times in their marriage but it only made their love for one another stronger. He was a selfless and simple man that wanted nothing more but to see his family do their best in life.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn of the home in Harrisburg, one son, Tony Lynn Smith also of Harrisburg, one brother, Danny Yow of Millington, Tennessee, one sister, Martha (Bob) Stewart of Memphis, Tennessee, five grandchildren: Dillon (Kelsey) Smith, Seana Huntington, Hanna Smith, Preston (Logan) Smith and Braydon Smith, and five great-grandchildren: Kallen, Dax, Jude, Jamison, and Mak. Memorial service will be Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church at 10:00 A. M. with visitation following and lunch.
