JAMES BENJAMIN RAY SMITH, age 52, of Dodge County, GA, died Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in Dublin, GA. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, February 8, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Shorty Smith officiating. Ray was born in Eastman, GA on March 7, 1972, and was a lifelong resident of Dodge County. As a child and through most of his life he lived with his family on Smith Road. He attended the Academy for the Blind in Macon, GA and later became a talented carpenter by trade which he continued for over thirty years. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who enjoyed fishing, gardening, taking care of animals, especially his Bullies, and watching NASCAR on TV. He was loved by his family and will be missed dearly. Ray was the son of the late Skippie Smith and Veatrice Burch Smith and was preceded in death by his Brother, Donald Smith. He is survived by his Daughter; Grandsons; Sisters; Brother; Nieces and Nephews; Aunts and Uncles; Numerous cousins and friends. The family may be contacted at the residence and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Saturday, February 8.