Ray Chrisman Smith was born 9/11/1954 to Milton C. Smith and Carie Alline (Burroughs) Smith at Fairchild Air Force Base Hospital in Spokane, Washington. He passed into the arms of Our Lord on Tuesday, 2/21/2023. Chris (or, Chrisman) as he was known to his family, grew up in Dallas and was a member of the 1972 Charter Class of Skyline High School. A natural athlete: He loved to play baseball, football, snow ski, and had a life-long passion for golf. Chrisman was also a gifted water-skier early in life, a pioneer barefoot skier and a member of the Dallas Waterski Team for several years. He was a loyal Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and University of Texas football fan. He loved all kinds of hunting, and made several trips to Argentina with step-son, Lee McBride, to hunt doves. He enjoyed fishing and target shooting, as well as a good cigar and country music- especially, the old stuff: Hank, Willie, and Waylon – an affinity passed down from his father, Mickey Smith. Naturally likable and blessed with a conversant nature, Chris learned the automobile business from his stepfather, Jess Barbee, and forged a successful career in new car sales. In the 90’s he worked in the recruiting industry. Mid-life, thanks to the vision and support of his wife, Mary, Chrisman was able to complete his university degree and acquire his teaching certificate, of which he was immeasurably proud. Always beloved by children, teaching was his passion. His family recalls neighborhood children of all ages knocking on the door of their home and asking if Chris (a high school student) was at home and could come outside to play. After suffering a debilitating stroke 3 1/2 years ago, when he coded twice, he saw a glimpse of: Heaven, Jesus, his stepfather of 55 years, Billy Graham & others. He communicated Heaven’s music is soaring and the colors are unspeakably beautiful. Since then, he desperately yearned to return to his heavenly home and made known that he wanted EVERYONE he knew and loved to know Christ as Lord and Saviour so they could spend eternity together. Chrisman is survived by his loving wife, Mary Smith, step-son Lee McBride & wife Dianne, grandchildren: Conner and Kalen of Stevensville, Montana, step-daughter Dee Ann (McBride) Hernandez & husband EJ, grandchildren: Madison and Gabriel of Wylie, Texas and granddaughter, Brianna (Hernandez) Buchanan & husband Timothy of Kansas City, Missouri, and sister, DeAnn (Smith) Caylor & husband David of Austin, as well as two nieces and numerous cousins. Not to be forgotten, his and Mary’s precious King Charles Cavalier, Winston, who wrapped his paws around Chrisman’s heart. If you are led, consider a contribution to the Garland Animal Shelter or to the First Baptist Rowlett building fund in Chrisman’s name due to the love of his church and animals.