James Ray Smith

James R. Smith, 83 of Hewitt, Texas, passed away peacefully into heaven on Saturday September 5, 2026 in Waco, Texas. He was born in Port Acres, Texas to James C. and Billie Smith in 1943. He married Linda Hayes on June 4, 1965 in Temple, Texas.

He went to school at Stephen F. Austin in Port Authur, K-12 in the same building. He worked construction the majority of his life. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, he was the number one drywall and ceiling tile worker everyone wanted for their jobs in Central Texas. His CB handle was “drywall” and in the construction field, many people only knew him by that name. In the ‘90s and beyond, while still working in the construction field, he worked for Cash America Pawn Shops, McDowell Research, Alliance Auto Auction, and TMD.

James was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister, Billie Jeanne Smith.

He is survived by his wife Linda Smith, his daughter Sheila Smith and her spouse Richard Munson, his sister and spouse Linda Beth and David Scales, his brother-in-law and spouse Dr. Stanley and Ingrid Hayes, two cousins and their spouses Glenn and Gaila Ely, and David and Cheryl Ely, as well as many other relatives and friends. He is also survived by his faithful, four-legged, companion “Sassie”.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 11th at 2:00 p.m., at Bellwood Cemetery in Temple with D.F. Barrett officiating. Casual and comfortable attire is appropriate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to your favorite charity in the name of James Smith.