Roll Call Tribute

Horace Ray Smith 

November 2, 1932 - April 15, 2024 

Horace Ray Smith, 91 years of age, of Bryan, Texas went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, April 15, 2024. Ray was born on November 2, 1932 to John and Myrtie (Bullock) Smith in Bryan. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Bryan in 1951 and Texas A&M University in 1955.

Ray loved Texas A&M University and the Corps of Cadets. He was Company Commander in the Corps in 1955, his senior year. Ray was a member of the Singing Cadets for all four years of college. He was an avid Texas A&M sports fan, especially football, and was a football season ticket holder for many years. His favorite pastime was playing golf, and watching professional golf tournaments, especially the Masters in Augusta, Georgia.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Ray was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served as Public Information Officer for the Schenectady General Depot and as Battalion Adjutant for a Quartermaster Battalion supporting the 2nd Armor Division in Germany.

Following his military service, Ray was employed as Public Relations Representative and Training Coordinator for Texas Electric Service Company in Odessa, Texas from 1957 to 1964. He was Assistant Industrial Relations Manager for Litton Industries in Lubbock, Texas from 1964 to 1967. Ray returned to Texas A&M University in 1967 as Assistant Director of Personnel. He was named Director of Personnel (Human Resources) in 1970, a position he held for 22 years prior to his retirement in 1992.

Ray always gave back to the communities where he lived. He was active for many years in Kiwanis or Rotary Clubs and in 1987 was president of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce.

Ray will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Donald Ray Smith, and brothers John E. Smith and Jerry P. Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Becky Delius Smith and sister-in-law Frances Smith, both of Bryan. Also, daughters, Rhonda Somers (Ken) of Houston, Deborah Newcomb (Jerry) of Richwood, and daughter-in-law Judy Smith of Bellaire. Also, two step-children, Jennifer Morton (Tony) of Bryan and Gus Brewer (Esmeralda Martinez) of Houston. Also, seven grandchildren, Chris Smith (Whitney) of Boulder, Colorado; Trevor Smith of Boulder, Colorado; Kyle Somers of Nashville, Tennessee; Sidney and Shelby Newcomb of College Station; Katie Figueroa (Joe) of Bryan and Courtney Morton (Frankie Galvez) of Bryan. Also, six great-grandchildren, Grayson, Madison, Tyson, Ellison, Makenzie and Olivia.

To honor Ray’s life, a visitation will be held from 5 – 7 pm on Thursday, April 18 at Callaway-Jones in Bryan. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 19 at First Baptist Church, Bryan, TX.

Ray was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Bryan.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 3100
Cambridge Drive, Bryan, Texas 77802.