Raymond Van Smith was a member of the First Born Church of the Living God in Bradley, Fl.

He attended Mulberry Jr. High School JRE Lee Mulberry, Fl. He later joined the United States Army in 1972.

He leaves to mourn daughters, Camilea Smith, Alexis Smith, and Yolanda Holmes; a loving and devoted companion, Marva Honors; three sisters, Carrie Wyche (Charles Ramsey), Shirley Smith Bankston (Robert Bankston I);and Patricia Smith; four brothers, Charles A. Smith (Betty)of Lakeland, Fl., Michael Smith (Sylvia) of Bartow, Fl.,Mose Spark (Betty) of Omega, Ga.,and Joe Spark (Lillie) of Ft. Meade, Fl.; grandchildren Dwaine Holmes, Tacarra Williams and La'Tasha Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 29 at 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Gause Funeral Home, 625 S. Holland Parkway, Bartow, Fl. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Bradley, Fl. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery.