Raymond Alvin Smith

Raymond Alvin Smith, Sr. was born May 8th, 1928, to the late Olivia Byrd Smith & Raymond Duval Smith of Niagara Falls, New York.  He graduated from Niagara Falls High School and earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Buffalo. He is a veteran of the United States Army, former Executive Dir. of the East Buffalo Community Development Center (CDC), former probation officer and retired educator.  He was born, raised, worked and lived in New York most of his life.  He has been in Birmingham, Alabama for the past three (3) years.

He leaves his wife Juanita to mourn and his four children: Raejeana Smith Coates (Leroy,Sr.)of Birmingham, AL; Roderick Smith of Buffalo, NY; Raymond Smith, Jr. of Youngtown, AZ; and was proceeded in death by his eldest son Reginald Smith. He has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

As a public servant, he took a lot of pride in serving his community and teaching. He spent his spare time sharing his talents in the performing arts.  He enjoyed storytelling, playing guitar and entertaining as an actor and director at local theaters in Buffalo. He was funny, witty and the life of the party; and, enjoyed reminiscing and sharing memories of his childhood in Niagara Falls.  He was an avid reader and author of the book,The Color of Hope.  

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