Stephen Ray Smith

Stephen Ray Smith passed away February 20th, 2026, peacefully in his home after a courageous

battle with Alzheimer's and cancer. He was known for his love of his family, animals, golf, and

flying his airplanes. Steve was an entrepreneur involved in many successful business ventures,

but his true passion was oil and gas exploration. He graduated from Big Spring High School in

1971. His occupation took him to Fort Stockton, Llano, and Abilene, Texas before returning to

his beloved hometown of Big Spring in 1988. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Big

Spring and was a devoted Christian whose unwavering faith was demonstrated through his daily

actions and the way he lived his life.

Steve was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was especially known

for his love of his grandchildren. You could often find them feeding ducks at the park, tending to

their garden, baking chocolate chip cookies, and driving around checking wells. Steve instilled

his love of adventure in his daughter, Michele; and shared his passion for cooking big weekend

breakfasts with his daughter, Summer. Lovingly called "Big Steve" by family and friends, he

was known for his generosity and outstanding sense of humor, which he retained until the very

end. While we know he is celebrating in heaven, his presence here on earth will be greatly

missed.

Left to carry on his legacy is his daughter, Michele and husband Jonathan Bruton; grandchildren,

Seth Trevino, Gabbie and husband Marvin Leyba, Lexie and husband Jonathan Perez; sisters

Nancy and husband Louis Dunnam, and Suzanne Smith; nephew Matthew Dunnam and wife

Sara; and nieces Stephanie and husband Matthew Houston, and Caroline and husband Jake Douglass; and several great nieces and nephews.

Steve is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Summer Smith; and his parents Judy and

Jimmy Ray Smith.

The family is eternally grateful to his loving caregivers, Christina, Gricelda, Laura Mo., Jenni,

Ana, Adela, and Laura Ma., for the outstanding care, compassion, and love they showed to Steve

in the final months of his life. He'll be waiting in heaven to teach you all how to Two Step as

promised.

Visitation will be 9 AM until 9 PM Tuesday with family receiving friends from 5:30 PM until 6:30 PM at Myers & Smith Chapel. Funeral service will be 11 AM Wednesday at Myers & Smith Chapel with burial at Trinity Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest that memorials be made in Stephen's honor to Make A Wish Foundation at 3417 73rd St. Suite 2 Lubbock, TX 79423.

Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Pay your respects online at www.myersandsmith.com