Raymond Ignatius Smith Jr.

Raymond Ignatius Smith,Jr. was born at a very early age to Gertrude Barter and Raymond Ignatius Smith,Sr. in Mobile, Alabama on Oct.5,1932. He graduated from Spring Hill College and obtained his medical degree from St.Louis University. There he met his future wife, Mary E. Mezera from Cleveland, Ohio. They moved to Chardon, Ohio and he began his medical career and family, later moving to Jacksonville, Fl. Raymond and Mary raised 5 children: Mary Elizabeth,Barbara Ann, Carol Lynn, Suzanne Marie and Fr. Raymond Ignatius,III.
Raymond faithfully served the Department of Anesthesia at St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fl. for over 40 years. He was admired by patients and staff for his gentle and compassionate care. He was committed to serving a wide variety of charitable institutions from the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch to Community Cenacolo in St. Augustine, Fl.
Raymond was an avid sailor and handyman. He was an Eagle Scout and helped 6 of his grandsons to achieve this rank.
Raymond was preceded in death by Mary Mezera Smith, his wife of 40 years. He is survived by his daughters; Dr.Mary E. Soha,M.D., Mrs. Barbara Ann Wittenberg, Mrs. Carol Lewis, Mrs. Suzanne Albertson,O.P.(Joseph), and his son, Fr.Raymond I. Smith,CFM; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He also has a special place in his heart for Fr. Martin Ibeh.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6pm with Rosary to begin at 7pm at Craig Funeral Home, 1475 Old Dixie Highway St. Augustine, FL 32084. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 9am at Our Lady de la Leche Shrine, 27 Ocean Ave St. Augustine, FL 32084.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Cenacolo at hopereborn.org.