Raif McNair Smith Jr.

Raif McNair Smith Jr., age 85, of Houston, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026. Born on May 10, 1940, in Florence, Alabama, Raif was the son of Raif McNaire and Maurine Grace Sharp Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Myra Callander Phillip Smith, with whom he shared twenty-five years of marriage.

Raif is survived by his sons: Raif Michael Smith (with spouse Miki and their sons Raif, Noah, and Caleb) and Robert Matthew Smith (with spouse Connie+ and their sons Myles and Myka). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Mylo, Meryk, Maya, Rosemary, and Mia, as well as his siblings Laura Colborn and Walter Smith.

Raif was born in Florence, Alabama and spent his childhood in Alabama, Arkansas, and Virginia. He graduated from McLean High School in Virginia. After finishing high school, Raif joined the United States Army, where, following basic training, he was stationed in France and served as an air traffic controller. Upon completing his military service, Raif pursued a wide range of careers, including working for airlines, managing and owning Sonic Drive-Ins, sales, oil field drilling, and operating his own trucking business.

A passionate student of history, Raif loved to read; in later years, as his eyesight declined, he switched to audio books. He was an active member of the Lions Club and Alcoholics Anonymous, where he served as a sponsor for many years. Raif enjoyed meeting new people and was known for his excellent conversational skills. He was always willing to listen, offer support, and give advice to those who needed it.

Raif will be laid to rest with his wife through burial at sea. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign='incentivehubdefaultmedia.