Kenneth G. Smith

Kenneth G. Smith

Kenneth Garland Smith slipped into a second life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, November 2, 2009.

He was born May 3, 1937, a son of the late William Garland and Mary Eyler Smith of Lynchburg, Virginia.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Peggy Maddox Smith; three daughters, Karen Smith Gibson, Valerie Smith Fulke of Richmond and Carol G. Smith of Charlottesville; three grandchildren, Kenneth W. Gibson, Joseph L. Gibson, and Alexandria T. Fulke; and one son-in-law, Fred Gibson. He is also survived by four brothers and their wives, William and Muriel Smith of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, Patrick and Kathy Smith of Riner, Virginia, Robert and Faye Smith of Lynchburg, Virginia, Mark and Sharon Smith of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and one sister, Johanna and her husband, Link White, of Forest, Virginia.

After graduating from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, he continued his education to be the first in his family to graduate from college. He chose to attend Virginia Military Institute where he received his B.A. in Civil Engineering. After serving his country on active duty as well as spending 20 years in the United States Army Reserves, he retired with the rank of Major. He retired from the University of Virginia in 2003 as the Director of Facilities Planning and Construction. He valued the continued pursuit of knowledge and while working at University of Virginia, received his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Averett College of Danville, Virginia, in 1995.

Kenneth was a kind and loving father and devoted husband. He loved working with the Key Clubs in and around Virginia while serving in the Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville where he held several positions, one of which was Lieutenant Governor. He and his wife were also very involved in the Charlottesville Friendship Force where they welcomed many people from around the world into their home while they visited America. After moving to Lake Monticello, he became an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and enjoyed working with the Coast Guard in keeping the lake safe on busy weekends. He also loved following the University of Virginia Woman's Basketball team. He and his wife traveled to Hawaii and around the state to support his favorite team and have attended all home games for over 20 years. He loved his church, Beaver Dam Baptist, where he was a devoted member; teaching Sunday school classes, singing in the choir, serving as a Deacon and on many committees over the years.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2009, in the social hall at Beaver Dam Baptist Church located at 1794 Richmond Road, Troy, VA 22974.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2009, in the sanctuary of Beaver Dam Baptist Church. A short reception will follow in the church's social hall.

In lieu of flowers, please support Parkinson Research, Cancer Research or Heart Research through the University of Virginia, Beaver Dam Baptist Church or feel free to give to your favorite charity.

He and his family would like to publicly thank Hospice of The Piedmont, all of the fine University of Virginia doctors and nurses, the giving members of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, University of Virginia faculty and staff, Kenneth's VMI Brother Rats, Lake Monticello Volunteer Rescue Squad and all of the neighbors and friends who have been so supportive during his illness.

Friends may sign the online register at www.hillandwood.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.