Rayshawn Robert Akins-Smith was born on October 05, 1999, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Leshawn Smith and Angelique Akins.

Rayshawn received his education through the Cleveland Public School System. He played football for John F. Kennedy High School until he graduated in 2017. He was employed as a service technician at The National Tire and Rubber Company at the time of his passing.

Rayshawn was known for his creativity, his principles, and his dedication to family and friends.  His creativity led him to start a custom sneaker business and work side-by-side with his dad in his food service and catering businesses.  Rayshawn was a young man of principles.  If he said it, he did it!!!  He always had a word of encouragement and his signature smile for family and friends.  And his love for and commitment to his family, especially his daughter, was deep and genuine, and our hearts are forever changed because he was part of our lives.  He would not want us to mourn his passing.  He would want us to celebrate his life.  We should not cry because he is gone.  We should smile because he was here.

Rayshawn Robert Akins-Smith passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2023. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather: Robert Smith.

Rayshawn is survived by his parents, Leshawn Smith and Angelique Akins, his brother Anthony Akins-Daniels, and his daughter Milani Nicole Renee Akins-Smith.  He also leaves to mourn his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Margaret Williams of Parma, Ohio, his paternal grandmother, Carrie Smith of Greenville, Alabama, and a host of aunts, cousins, and close friends who also mourn his loss.