Floris Ray Smith

Floris Ray Smith was born on August 10, 1956, in Portland, Oregon, to Willie Hamilton and James Rawls Sr.  

Ray was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, and friend. His kindness and love for others were what made him truly special. He was raised in Portland by his mother, Willie Hamilton, and his great-aunt, affectionately known as Aunt Johnnie. During his formative years, Ray attended Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church, where his faith and values were nurtured.  

He graduated from Benson High School in 1974, where he participated in both football and baseball. He later attended Mt. Hood Community College with aspirations of becoming a pilot. His life took a meaningful turn with the birth of his daughter, Raelynn, followed by his son, Brandon.  

In the years that followed, Ray was blessed with three additional children through love—Ronnie, Tia, and Vanessa. Together, his five children brought him immense joy and fulfillment and remained a constant source of pride throughout his life.  

Ray built a dedicated career spanning more than 20 years at Tektronix, followed by his work at Western Boxed Meat until his retirement. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment.  

Ray found great joy in the outdoors and treasured time spent fishing with his brothers and his “other dad,” Cedric. Their travels took them throughout Oregon and Washington, and especially to Alaska, where he enjoyed catching halibut and cod. He also had a love for hunting, camping, and relaxing with a good beer. And of course, his unwavering loyalty to the Dallas Cowboys was something family and friends lovingly teased him about.  

Ray was preceded in death by his son, Brandon Brown; his mother, Willie Crowell; his father, Cedric Crowell; his great-aunt, Johnnie Nivens; his sisters, Deborah Crowell, Theresa Stewart, and Gwendolyn Rawls; and his brother, Anthony Culpepper.  

He is survived by his father, James Rawls Sr.; his “Mom in Love,” Cora Rawls; his daughters, Raelynn Smith, Latia Burch, and Vanessa Burch; and his son, Ronnie. He is also survived by his siblings: Anthony Crowell, Landon Crowell, Denise Pouncil, James Rawls Jr., Judy Rawls-Butts, Renne Rawls, and Terry Rawls.  

Ray leaves behind his cherished grandchildren—Andrew Young, Andraeya Young, Kahlea Burch, Ameya Burch, and Carlos Burch—along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will continue to honor his legacy with love.  

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