Ray Smith

Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr. is a decorated combat veteran, former educator, and dedicated public servant with a lifelong commitment to strengthening North Carolina communities. Raised in Goldsboro by a U.S. Marine father and a long-serving school board member mother, Raymond learned the values of duty and leadership early on. A proud graduate of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities—holding degrees from NC A&T State University, NC Central University, and Fayetteville State University—Raymond served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, earning honors as a Gulf War combat veteran. Prior to entering state leadership, he served his community as an educator, football coach, and NCDOT transportation planner, while making history as the first African American at-large member and Vice Chairman of the Wayne County Board of Education.

In the North Carolina General Assembly, Raymond represented Wayne and Sampson Counties across two dynamic terms, bringing his vast expertise to key committees on Education, Finance, Transportation, and Military & Veterans Affairs. As a legislator, he championed vital policy victories, introducing legislation to reinvest in public education, revitalize Eastern North Carolina communities, and expand Medicaid coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians. Today, Raymond resides in Goldsboro with his wife, Dr. Cortrina Smith, and their family, remaining deeply active in civic life as a church trustee and community leader. Combining proven administrative experience, military discipline, and a passion for advocacy, Dr. Smith stands out as an unyielding voice for equity, public education, and working families across the state.