Kenneth Louis Smith

Mr. Kenneth Louis Smith, Sr. age 91 of Grant Parish, Louisiana entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Visitation for Kenneth will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 am at Bentley United Pentecostal Church. Services will be at 11:0 am at the church with Reverends Bruce Maxwell and Keith Maxwell officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park following the service.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Calvin Ivie, Reggie Murrell, Jeremy Futrell, Cody Lambert, Ben Simmering, Richard Bishop, Stevie Murrell and Derek Doiron. Honorary pallbearers will be Dannie Odle, Mark Smith, Murphy Chesnut, David Chesnut, and Patrick Murrell.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Odis O. and Olavie L. Smith; brothers, Leonard and Marvin Smith; in-laws that he considered were part of his own family, Rev, and Mrs. H.A. Murrell, Sr.; and brothers-in-law that he considered as close as brothers, H.A. Murrell, Jr., Freddie E. Murrell and Arnold R. Murrell.

Those left to cherish and celebrate his memories are his loving wife of 71 years, Bertie Murrell Smith; children, Kenny Smith, Jr. (Tammy) and Karen Smith-Ivie; grandchildren, Lacey Simmering (Ben), Kensie Smith, Whitney Ivie-Lambert (Cody); Calvin Luke Ivie (Amaris); great grandchildren, Hazel M. Ivie and Samuel S. Ivie; brother in law, Reginald Murrell; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Kenneth married the love of his life, Bertie, on September 30, 1954, at her parent's house in Pollock, La. Together, Kenneth and Bertie worked various jobs to make a life for themselves and their family. For many years they owned a washeteria in Kingsville, La. Kenneth was a master craftsman by trade and hobby; mechanics and welding were his specialties. He learned machinery at Fraser Machine Shop in Winnfield. He went on to work for Ruston Foundry, Baker Manufacturing and then Trunkline Gas Company until his retirement in 1993. He was instrumental in the invention and automation of the first automated pill counter.

He was a faithful member of Bentley United Pentecostal Church serving in many capacities at church. He taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School director, and was his church song leader for many years. He and Bertie devoted their lives to their family and the service of their King; always willing to do whatever was necessary to further the Kingdom. He spent many hours working and building for the church.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by all that knew and loved him.