Kenneth Ray Smith, Sr., 85 of Suncrest Rd., died April 23, 2013 art his residence. Ken was born on March 5, 1928 in Buncombe Co., a son of the late Rev. Millard Lee and Sarah Creasman Smith. Ken was a retired long line driver with Carolina Freight Carriers, member of Second Baptist Church where he was a member of the Men’s Bible Class, faithful member of Masonic Lodge #505 A.F.& A. M., a Shriner, where he was the care coordinator for Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He was a well known fixture on the bench in front of Houser Drug Store.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a brother Jessie Smith, and sisters Mary Barnwell and Lois Barlett.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years Edna Rhew Smith, Secretary at Carpenter’s Funeral and Cremation Services, children Kenny Smith Jr. (Carolyn) of Bessemer City, Kathy Short(Ken) of Crouse, three grandchildren Heath smith of Bessemer City and Nicole Short and K.W. Short of Crouse, three sisters Ruth Wilson of Asheville, Ella Allen of Dearborn, MI, and Margaret Mitchell of Lincolnton.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3 PM at Second Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Lail and Rev. Leonard Bumgardner officiating with burial in City Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-8 PM at Carpenter’s Funeral and Cremation Services and other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland Co. Extended Care, 951 Wendover Heights Dr. , Shelby, NC 28150 or to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Farris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605
