Ray "Mack" Nesmith

Ray “Mack” Nesmith, age 87, former Idabel resident and McCurtain County native, 
passed from this earth on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in Longview, TX. He was born on July 18, 1933, the son of Roy and Lite Hamman Nesmith.

Mack was a true American Cowboy, raised in Bethel, Oklahoma where he learned to ride, rope and care for animals and people alongside his beloved Dad Roy and his brothers.  He loved horses and cattle and was an accomplished Farrier. He exceled in the Rodeo arena at calf roping and bulldogging, participating and recognized as a life member, #49, of The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. After retiring from the rodeo circuit, Mack learned the art of Saddle Making, and became a premier western-style saddle maker, regularly producing extraordinary saddles that were highly sought after by many cowboys and pleasure riders alike.   He later worked for the State of Oklahoma Highway Department.  Upon retirement, Mack and Bonnie, his wife of 50 years, moved to Diana Texas to be closer to their children. 

Mack was a member and Deacon of the County Line Baptist Church in Diana, Texas. 

Mack is preceded in death by his wife Bonnie; his parents; and brothers Tom and Leon Nesmith. 

He is survived by his daughter; Rayma Nesmith Farlow and husband Ryan of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, daughter by marriage, Brenda Evans and husband Tom of Diana, TX, and son by marriage Jim Gilbert and wife Heather of Diana, Tx; grandsons Mack Kemper, Zack Kemper and Quinn Farlow;  brother and sister-in-law Guy and Sue Nesmith of Bethel, Oklahoma and nieces, Amanda Nesmith Rhynes, Janette Nesmith Kelly and nephew Steve Nesmith, and many other relatives and friends.

In view of the current Covid 19 situation, a memorial and celebration of life service will be held in Idabel, OK., hopefully in January if deemed safe for all to participate.   

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