Ray Smith Jr., spent his lifetime dedicated to his family, his country and to public service. After returning from World War II where he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps, Smith completed Law School and began practicing in his hometown of Hot Springs.

Smith decided in 1955 to run for public office, which began his whirlwind career in politics that has left a lasting impression upon the Hot Springs region and the state of Arkansas. After he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives, Smith rose through the ranks and became Majority Leader, Majority Whip and Chairman of the House Education Committee. However, it was prior to these accomplishments in which Smith’s name will forever be remembered. During the 1958 special session called by then-Governor Orval Faubus, Smith cast the lone dissenting vote on a Faubus bill to close any schools that were ordered to be integrated. It was this belief in equality and opportunity for all Americans that led Smith to vote his convictions even when his colleagues could not.

During his 27 years representing Hot Springs in the Arkansas State Legislature, Smith continued to play a key role in the community. His belief in the importance of education can that led him to sponsor legislation creating the Garland County Community College, where he would go on to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His dedication to local organizations such as the Boys Club of Hot Springs and the Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club displayed his deep commitment to giving back to the community.

In addition to his civic leadership, Ray Smith Jr., was also a man of devout faith. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and as Chairman of the Official Board of the First United Methodist Church.