Ray Smithey, 59, of Bay City passed away February 13, 2019. He was born July 18, 1959 in Commerce, TX to the late James Wilburn Smithey and Betty Jean Wilson Smithey.

Ray was a big man with an even bigger heart. He was a dedicated coach, and always involved in Nikki's endeavors. He was a beloved member of the community, and cherished his work with the Champion Riders Mounted Drill Team. He touched many lives, and will be missed.

Survivors include daughter Rebecca "Nikki" Smithey of Bay City; step-daughter Amy Grimes of Bay City; step-sons Jonathan Varnell & wife Angela and Eric Varnell & wife Sonja all of Louisiana; grandchildren Erica Grimes, Reese Miller, Slade Varnell, Sarah Dodd and Aiden Varnell; aunt Christine Clark; uncle Gerald Smithey and numerous cousins and other extended family members.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Monday, February 18, 2019 followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Wayne George, Todd Sevenski, Mike McKissick, Justin Adkins, Cory McKelvy and Clint Voulgaris. James Kinard and Garry Turner will serve as honorary pallbearers.