KENNETH SMITH

1947 - 2026

KENNETH RAY SMITH

Feb. 22, 1947 - Mar. 19, 2026

Kenneth Ray Smith left his earthly home on March 19, 2026 to be with the Lord and family above. Born on February 22, 1947 in Brawley, CA to Charles J. and Hazelle Smith, Ken grew up on a farm which held many memories for him. He attended Magnolia Union Elementary School through 8th grade, then promoted to Brawley Union High School. It was there during his Sophomore year that he met Shannon Frye and their attraction turned into lasting love.

After graduation from BUHS, Ken's dream of attending the University of

Southern California came true. He became a lifelong Trojan and was loyal to the cardinal and gold. After completion of two years there, he and Shannon were married. They lived in the Los Angeles area for four more years while he continued his education earning a B.A. and an M.B.A. The Vietnam war was looming in 1969 so Ken signed up to serve in the National Guard Unit in Brawley, CA. Soon after he returned from guard training their first child was born. His advanced degree in business allowed him the opportunity to work as a stock broker for Dean Witter and they moved to Scottsdale, AZ. It was there that their second daughter was born. After three years in that business Ken became aware that the Valley had a need for a commodity broker and he moved the family to Brawley to begin business on his own and even at one time held a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade. Several years later Ken not only traded commodities but began farming commodities: wheat, alfalfa, and Sudan grasses. He expanded his business and began operating his own

cattle feeding business. In the ensuing years he and Shannon welcomed three more daughters and two sons.

He served his community in various ways including coaching baseball and serving on both the elementary and high school boards. He was generous in donating both time and funds to local worthwhile causes. Ken valued education and was pleased that all of his children earned college degrees. Ken was most proud of the beautiful home that he had built for his family, and was known for the impressive racquetball court that was attached to the home. He played, taught, and shared his love of the game with many from throughout the valley and beyond. He enjoyed fifty years of making wonderful memories in this home with his friends and family.

Preceding Ken in death were his parents and a brother, James R. Smith. Surviving family include five daughters: Camille Nuckles, Corinne Smith.

Rochelle Hunt (Carson), Darice Pratt (Trent), Denae Garrison (Mike); two sons Conrad Smith(Alyson), and Russell Smith(Laura). Also surviving are 23 grandchildren: Jacob Nuckles (Tiffany), Micaela Ivins (Randy), Kiana Smith (Cameron), Kenneth James Nuckles, Jimmy Nuckles Jr., Cameron and

Tanner Hunt, Marly, Morgan, Brooks, Tess, Blake, and Tug Pratt, Caed, Kai, and Cruz Smith, Emerson, Leighton, and Nolan Smith, Ty, Tad, Trent, and Tayleigh Garrison; and five great-grandchildren Remi Smith, Olivia, Rex, Evelyn and Roy Nuckles. Also surviving is a brother, Charles J. Smith and wife Marilyn, mother-in-law, Edna Rae Frye, sister-in-law, Sheila Kruger and brother-in-law, Mike Presley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A devoted husband and father, caring grandfather, and loyal friend, Ken was thought well of by many. He had a truly compassionate and generous heart. He was an astute businessman and loved the beauty of the valley, especially his fields when the crop was barely peeking through the soil. He knew all the favorite eating places whether Italian, Mexican, Chinese or steak. Ken was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully as bishop of the Brawley Ward and as Stake President of the El Centro California, Imperial Valley Stake. He was also most recently a sealer in the San Diego California Temple where many true friendships were formed.

Funeral services honoring Ken will be held on March 31, 2026 at 11 a.m. in Brawley at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 490 W. D Street. A viewing will be held the evening before from 6 to 8 p.m. at Frye Chapel. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery following the service. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or the Imperial Valley Food Bank.