Arnold Ray Smith was born on November 25th, 1943 in Shafter California to Malcom and Carol Smith. On February 1st, 2018, Arnold went home to join his parents and his brother Marshall Smith in the Lord's house. All his life Arnold was a faithful servant of God. He served 9 years in the United States Army, was a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and a recipient of the Bronze Star. For 29 years he worked for the Kern County Sheriffs Department where he retired as an Investigator. He served his community in countless ways including being a member of the Linns Valley school board for 20 years, and a loyal member and Elder of the Mt. Carmel Community Church in Glennville, California. Arnold is survived by his wife Paulette Smith, sisters Marilyn Bergman and Nancy Wells, sons Paul and Phillip Smith, daughter Shannon Crouch, and grandchildren Talor and Caleb Smith. Arnold touched the lives of anyone and everyone that knew him. The joy and light that he brought us will continue to shine with his passing. His memory will be forever in our hearts.