Kenneth Mack Smith Sr.

1931 - 2024

Smith, Sr., Kenneth Mack

Kenneth Mack Smith of Greensboro, NC born on December 26, 1931, in Durham, NC., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 17, 2024, at the age of 92. He went on to join his beloved wife of 63 years Betty Ann Powell Smith.

In addition to Betty Ann, Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Zula Wilson Smith and O.B. "Gus" Smith, as well as three brothers Bernice, Tolbert, and Billy. He is survived by two proud and adoring sons, Kenneth Mack Smith, Jr. and Gregory Powell Smith & wife Marti Bowker Smith. Five dedicated grandchildren, Jake Smith (Chelsea), Payne Smith (Khrystyna), Caroline Smith Bucher (Joel), Elizabeth Smith, and Joshua Smith. Kenneth was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Lev Christian Smith and Peyton Olivia Smith.

Kenneth or "Ken" graduated with a degree from Wake Forest College (BA) in 1955 where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and active in the first-ever ROTC program at Wake Forest. Upon graduation, Kenneth was commissioned in the US Army and later the US Army Reserve where he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel before retiring after 30 years of service.

"Ken" spent 19 years with Burlington Industries before leaving to start his own textile company, Ken Smith Yarn Company, in 1974. Also in 1974, Kenneth and Betty Ann purchased the Baskin-Robbins store on Battleground Ave. Over the years he continued to build his textile business via growth and acquisitions. Ken was an active and well-respected member in many trade associations. The company he built thrives today under the leadership of his son Greg.

Kenneth & Betty Ann had many interests in addition to their passion for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were members of First Presbyterian Church and active in the Greensboro Symphony Guild, the Greensboro Historical Museum. Kenneth & Betty Ann traveled extensively and often, both domestically and internationally. They never met a stranger and enjoyed building lasting friendships anywhere they traveled.

Ken was also a member of the Piedmont Investment Club. He spent his last two years in the Assisted Living area at Wellspring Retirement Community. While there he continued to touch lives making new friends and establishing deep bonds with staff. We are thankful for their loving friendships and devoted efforts in making his last years satisfying and pleasant.

His life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Friday, March 22nd at 1 pm. at First Presbyterian Church at 617 N. Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27401. The family will receive visitors prior to the service in the Virginia Gilmore Room from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shortly after the service the family will privately intern Kenneth in the First Presbyterian Memorial Garden alongside of Betty Ann.

If preferred, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro or Hospice of Greensboro. Messages and remembrances can be shared through Forbis & Dick Funeral Service, www.forbisanddick.com.