Kenneth Ray Smith, Sr.

Kenneth Ray Smith Sr., 88, died on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Joseph and Willie Smith and was born in Roseboro, North Carolina at his grandmother's house on July 5, 1937. The highlight of his childhood was being able to attend the Boy Scout National Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in 1950. President Truman opened the Jamboree, and Scouts enjoyed a huge fireworks display on the 4th of July with General Eisenhower. After graduating from Roseboro High School in 1955, he attended the University of Chapel Hill for one year before joining the Air Force where he served for four years. While stationed at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire, he met the love of his life, Thelma, as they listened to the talented Louis Armstrong perform at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. They were married on June 29, 1960, and spent the next 62 years by each other's side prior to her passing in 2023. In June of 2020, they celebrated their milestone 60th wedding anniversary with a special vow renewal on the beach, reaffirming their love and commitment to each other with their family in attendance.

Once they returned to North Carolina, he attended the Worth Business School, receiving his Associate Junior Accounting degree. Twenty-five years later, he became President of IFCO. He spent the final five years of his career working in the Business Office of Fayetteville Technical Community College. Not only was he a successful businessman, but he was the epitome of a devoted family man. He was the proud father of Kenny, Heather, Caroline, and Ashley. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply and made sure they each knew how special they were to him. His generosity knew no limit, and he was the first to step forward to help in any way he could.

He led a full life and was a world traveler. One of his favorite places to travel was Papa's Camp in New Brunswick, Canada. His greatest adventure was a 30-day trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. His favorite place to spend his time closer to home was North Myrtle Beach at what was lovingly called, "Papa's Beach House." He gained the love and respect of the local community and was deemed "Mayor" of his Crescent Beach Neighborhood. He was a devoted Christian, and a true example of a man of God. While in Fayetteville, he was an active member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, and after relocating to South Carolina, he transferred his membership to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Kenneth is survived by son, Kenny Smith and wife Leslie; daughter, Heather Kurtz and husband Conrad; daughter, Caroline Ford and husband Larry; and daughter Ashley McCann and husband Michael; his beloved grandchildren: Kelsey Smith and husband Justin, Kaitlin Godwin and husband Ryan, Lily Grace McCann, and Teagan and Greyson Smith; his great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Stryker and Sullivan Smith and Rhett and Reid Godwin; his sister, Faye Volin. He was blessed with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Thelma Smith, sister Joe Ann Royal and his great-grandson Sutton Smith.

A celebration of life will be held on March 9, 2026, at half past ten o'clock in the morning at Sullivan's Highland Chapel with a reception immediately following the service at Peaden's Seafood. The burial will take place at two o'clock at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery. Please feel free to wear Carolina blue to celebrate his love for the Tarheels.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch, their address: 531 Hillsboro Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.