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Johnny Ray Smith passed away at his residence on Monday, February 17, 2025. He was born on August 30, 1946, to Frank Ray Smith and Melba Elam Smith in Union, MS.
Johnny Ray graduated from Beulah Hubbard High School Class of ’64. He joined the United States Navy right out of high school, where he served in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. He moved to Magee, MS, in the early ’70s, where he established Smith’s Automotive – a long-standing used car lot he ran with his family and his long-time employee, Dr. Hill, until his retirement in 2009.
Johnny Ray had a fond love for vehicles, but American muscle cars and big block Chevrolets were his passion. He never met one that he couldn’t get the absolute most horsepower out of.
He came from and added to a long list of Smiths who never met a dog they didn’t like and had a one-liner for any situation or life advice that may arise. One of his most significant accomplishments was being the long-standing Chicken Head Racing Team president.
Johnny Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Ray Smith and Melba Elam Smith, and his sister, Barbara Ann Bryant.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia Smith; son, Jon Smith and his wife, Courtney; daughter, Staci Smith; brothers, James Smith (Betty) and Billy Smith (Jan); sisters, Linda Sue Bradley (Otis Lamar), Sandra Pearl Terrell (Vic) and his two grandchildren, Pelham Reeves Smith and Amber Smith.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Tutor Funeral Home in Magee, MS, at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow in Greenland Community Cemetery, 3017 Greenland Road, Little Rock, MS, 39337. Bro. Jim Ball, Bro. Charles Funchess and Bro. Gene Amason will officiate the service.
Pallbearers are Michael Joe Bradley. Allen Ferguson, Chris Ferguson, Scott Moak, Ben Pierce, Doug Smith and Hayden Smith.
Honorary pallbearers are the Chicken Head Racing Team, the Masonic Lodge of Magee, the Jimmy Holbrook Sunday School Class, Brandon Hubbard, Evan Gordon, Nick Lee, and Lyle Stewart.
Arrangements are entrusted with Tutor Funeral Home of Magee.
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