Obituary

Raymond David "Pete" Smith

December 7, 1946 - June 17, 2026

Raymond David “Pete” Smith, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away Wednesday June 17, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born in Biloxi, MS on December 7, 1946 to the late Captain Raymond Leroy Smith and Selma Fountain Smith, later moving to Algiers, LA as a boy. Pete would then settle in Franklinton, in 1974, to raise his young family. He loved fishing with his family and friends. Pete was an excellent storyteller, wrote poetry and enjoyed singing the simple songs he wrote for himself.

Pete was married to the love of his life, the late Geneve Newman Smith. Together they built a beautiful life centered around their five children, who survive him. Kim Pellerin (Andre), Sherri Reeves (Byron), Melissa Dagro (Joseph), Raymond David “Pete” Smith, Jr. (Monica), Kristy Turner (Geremy), a nephew Shane Smith (Tricia).

Above all else, his greatest joy in life was his family. Pete was a proud and doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Allison Andrews (Mitchell), Isabella Bell (Jeffrey), Madeleine Pellerin, Quinlen Willie (Destiny), Chloe Reeves, David Smith (Kayla), Colby Reeves, Lauren Pellerin, Joseph Dagro, III, Ava Dagro, Ian Turner (Brooke), Elizabeth Turner, Harrison Turner (Taylor) as well as four great-grandchildren, Whether they were celebrating birthdays, just dropping by to sit on the porch, planting and harvesting watermelons, cooking out together, time spent with his grandchildren was his ultimate joy.

Pete is also survived by his siblings, Caren Ponson (HJ), Letha Leleaux, Leonard Smith (Melanie), Donna Toups, brother in law and sister in law Lee Newman (Jane), sister in law Cathy Lyons Newman and many beloved nieces, nephews and their families.

He was also preceded in death by his father in law and mother in law Allen Newman and Grace Houin Newman, brothers in law Gary Leleaux, Ronald Newman, brother in law and sister in law Allen Newman, Jr. (Elaine).

Pete will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his hard work and the sweet memories made with his grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of his children and grandchildren, forever.

Visitation will be held at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton, LA) on Monday June 22nd from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Monday with Father Pedro Prada officiating. A private burial will follow in the Smith Family Cemetery

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Davita Dialysis in Franklinton and Kenny Capritto with Pelican Orthotics and Prosthetics, for the years of caring support.

Pallbearers: Colby Reeves, Joseph Dagro, III, Quinlen Willie, David Smith, Jeffrey Bell, Ethan Jackson, Mitchell Andrews

Honorary Pallbearers are Jason Smith, Jacob Smith, Gary Burch