Raymond Lynn "Sunshine" Smith was born to T.A. "Buster" and Mary Feazle Smith on September 29, 1946 and departed this life on March 3, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. He grew up in South Houston and graduated from South Houston High School, class of 1965. He attended Texas A & I University on a football scholarship and then returned home to join the Houston Police Department, Academy Class #34 in 1966. He proudly served the city of Houston for 39 years, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and during his tenure was assigned to the Southeast, Southwest, Crime Analysis, Juvenile and Robbery Divisions. He was an active member of the Houston Police Retired Officers Association, the Family Assistance Committee and was a Houston Officers Peer Assistance counselor until his passing.

After retiring in 2005, he used his artistic abilities to build custom fishing rods and started his own business called Rods by Ray. He spent many hours building rods for family and friends while also donating many to the auctions for charities that were close to his heart. Ray then learned how to make stained glass and created many beautiful pieces – some that he sold but most that he gave away to special friends. Ray's faith in God was strong, he had a servant's heart and was a kind and giving soul. He always had a smile, a kind word, a fun story, a joke to tell or a shoulder to lean on for family and his many friends. He will be missed beyond measure.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sherrie Ingrando Smith; his children, Erin Smith, Stacy Fuessle (Torben), Andrew Smith (Victoria), Russell Smith, and Bryan Ingrando (Kelly). He is also survived by 6 grandchildren who affectionately called him "Mutt" – Edward, Vivian, Joe, Jake, Phini and Trent; brother James Arthur Smith (Danna); and mother-in-law Nina Martin. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carolyn Smith Sparks.

The family would like to thank our very special Dr. Maneesh Patel and his staff; Stephanie Satterfield, RN and the staff of Heart to Heart Hospice for the loving and compassionate care given to Ray.

Please join us for a celebration of Ray's life, at 10:00am., Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Sagemont Church, 11300 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E., Houston 77089.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Houston Retired Police Officer Association, Family Assistance Committee P.O. Box 130787 Houston, TX 77219, 713-802-2967.

Forever our Sunshine…forever in our hearts.