Kenneth Taylor Smith Jr.

HOPKINS - Kenneth Taylor Smith, Jr.; a father, friend, horseman, businessman, and golfer; passed away on Sunday, the 3rd of February, at the age of 63. As in life, he was surrounded by his family: parents, Ken and Patsy Smith of Hopkins; son Taylor (Ashley) Smith of Fayetteville, Georgia ; son Logan of Columbia; sister Cameron (Marc) Vogt of Ridgeway; and Joye (Joseph) Horne of Columbia.

Ken was born in Charlotte, the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. Smith, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. O.O. Sides. He graduated from Hammond Academy and attended The College of Charleston. He was a notable horseman and first entered the show ring at the age of ten. By his teens, he was considered one of the most natural and gifted riders in the country. Of those years, a friend wrote: “He was maybe more at ease on a horse than afoot.” Ken rode to multiple championships, consistently ranking in the top tiers regionally and nationally. In later years, he served on the Executive Committee of the National Cutting Horse Association. A gifted athlete, he took to golf just as easily as to his horses. He had the opportunity to play at several of the country’s top courses, shooting a respectable 75 at Augusta National. At the Heritage Classic Pro-Am, he had the good fortune to play with Greg Norman, Payne Stewart, and Phil Mickelson.

His great happiness, however, came in the form of his sons, Taylor and Logan. They excelled both on the Hammond football field and in the Select Ensemble chorus – and he encouraged them every step of the way. Ken was proud of their achievements at Clemson and USC respectively, and he loved to brag on his two boys, both successful Engineers and young leaders.

Once his parents settled in Lower Richland County in 1966, Ken saw no reason to leave. He loved the land and felt at peace there. In addition to his parents, sons, and sister, Ken is survived by many cousins, aunts, an uncle, dear friends, and extended family. There will be a private burial later this week, with a gathering at 3:00 p.m, Saturday afternoon, at the family’s home.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.