Vernon Ray Smith

Vernon Ray Smith, age 93, long-time Broken Arrow resident went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday evening, September 30, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital South in Tulsa, OK. Ray was born on August 4, 1926 in Osage, AR and was the son of Alfred Lee and Jessie Mae (Snow) Smith. He grew up in Arkansas and received his education in Gobler, AR and then went on to join the Navy. Ray married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Morris on October 19, 1942 in Berryville, AR. He was a Church of God Holiness Minister for over 35 years in Tulsa and Coweta. Ray built the Church of God Holiness in Coweta and retired in 1996 at the age of 70. He also was a farmer, mechanic, and a building engineer. Ray also was the founder of the VRS Academy School in Coweta. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his earlier years, traveling with his wife, Dorothy, and spending time with his family. Ray loved the Lord and had a servant's heart. He touched many lives and was loved by everyone. Ray is survived by his six children, Barbara Hathcoat and her husband Gene of Coweta, Ina Hall of Broken Arrow, Wanda Thornburg and her husband Roger of Coweta, Kathy Daniels and her husband Gary of Coweta, Jack Smith and his wife Patsy of Overland Park, KS, and Randy Smith and his wife Jennifer of Broken Arrow; 22 grandchildren; 55 great grandchildren; 22 great-great grandchildren; a double cousin, Vernon Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Mae Smith in 2011; his parents, Alfred Lee and Jessie Mae Smith; one granddaughter, Tracy; one great grandson, Tyler; and a baby brother. A service celebrating Ray's life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Church of God Holiness in Coweta, OK with Rev. Bill Smith and Rev. Joe Partain officiating. Burial will follow in Vernon Cemetery in Coweta. Viewing with the family present to receive friends will be from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Brown Family Funeral Home. Pallbearers are his grandsons, Brian Daniels, Scott Smith, Tony Hall, Charles Hathcoat, Joshua Hall, and Brandon Smith. Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Vernon Ray Smith entrusted his care and services to Brown Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.