Ruby Wray Smith

Ruby Wray Smith, 95, of Royal, Arkansas passed away Friday, August 19, 2022, at home.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel 5750 US HWY 277 S. Abilene, TX. Entombment will take place at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Wray was born on March 12, 1927, in Athens, Alabama to the late John Clifford Bullington and Ruby Lavern Hughes Bullington. She married William Robert (W. R.) Smith on May 7, 1947, and they were blessed with 58 years together until W.R. passed away on August 25, 2005. Wray was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and over the years they served many congregations and communities together in many different capacities. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Wray was a business executive for many years prior to the time that females were normally seen in executive roles. She was instrumental in the business ventures that she founded along with her husband and worked tirelessly to lead the operations of the enterprises. She was very civic-minded and her commitment to her adopted home of Lake Village, Arkansas was recognized in 1967 by her being selected as the Lake Village Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Woman of the Year. She was quick to support both friends and strangers with supportive words and preparing them a homemade pie!

Wray is survived by her son, William R. Smith Jr., and wife Nora of Royal Arkansas; 3 grandsons, James Vickers Jr. of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas; Dr. Derek Smith (Stephanie) of Lubbock, Texas and Damon Smith (Julianne) of Leander, Texas; 3 granddaughters, Len Graziani and husband Frank of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Veronica Cameron and husband Harold of Crossett, Arkansas, Stephanie Arnold and husband Troy of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 10 great grandchildren; numerous extended family and dear friends.

Wray was also preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Wray Smith, brothers J.C. (Edna), Tom (Jean), Wilburn (Jean) and Wally Bullington.