My Daddy, Ken absolutely loved his Oak Grove hunting camp and all of the members. He spent his best years at the camp. He would tell us the funniest stories about him and Fred Gentry at the camp and some of the crazy things they got into. He’d get to laughing so hard that he’d cry. Ha! This was his last trip to the camp. He enjoyed it so much. Now you and Fred are together again probably plotting something to do. Ha! Have fun Daddy!

I was blessed enough to have been able to reconnect with a person that was always in my eyes the type of father that a father should be. A pillar or foundation of a family. They calm in the storms. Three months ago this picture was taken just after uncle Ken and I sang the Audubon Zoo song together via Video and he and Duke were waiting on their militant timed breakfast that Keith had piping hot on the plate each and every morning ☺️. I am so grateful that I was able to sing that song and have that one last conversation with you. I never would have imagined it would have been the last as you were so vibrant and the same uncle Ken that you were 30 years ago😊. We will miss you dearly and celebrate your life and your legacy will live on in the person that you have made the most effect on, Holly. She is a great example of a good hearted well intentioned individual and that is a direct reflection of the legacy you leave. Your life shall be celebrated ☺️ We love You

The best and only granddad I ever knew. I loved him so much

my main man. you so appreciated my cooking. every day , if not days in advance it was mom and I planning what we’d cook for your ‘supper’. mom would make sure i’d have the groceries, i’d make sure to cook them, & you’d get down in it when it came time to eat. 

this plate would’ve been one of your favorites to enjoy. breakfast for dinner. no matter the menu, you always enjoyed and dearly appreciated it. but not soon after you’d need your ice cream, ha. 

i miss cooking for you. i miss telling you suppers ready. i miss opening your soda for you. i miss you. tellin you, “you’re lookin sharp!” 

you were treat. thank you for being the greatest man in my life, ever.

Dear Daddykens,

Your easygoing nature was a breath of fresh air, always bringing lightness to our days. It was in your calm smile and your reassuring words that we found solace.

I will always cherish the way you asked about our well-being, a simple question that meant the world because it came from you. That showed us how much you cared for others. 

I must also express my gratitude for the wonderful job you did raising your family. Keith, your grandson, has been my best friend, a relationship that I treasure deeply. His kindness, his humor, and his spirit are a reflection of the love and guidance you provided him.

Holly, your daughter, is someone that has always cared for me and I want to thank you for the values you instilled in her. The compassion and strength she carries are clearly inherited from you, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

As we bid farewell, we do so with heavy hearts but also with a profound sense of gratitude. You have left an indelible mark on our lives, and we are all better for having known you.

With heartfelt condolences and enduring love,

Jaime G.

In loving memory of a remarkable man, my Uncle Ken, or Daddy Kens as we all know him, whose presence was a gift to us all. He was a master storyteller, his tales woven with the threads of life's rich tapestry. Each story he told was a journey, filled with laughter, wisdom, and an uncanny knack for capturing the essence of the human experience. His stories were not just heard, they were felt, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to listen.

Always there for everyone, he was our rock in times of storm, our beacon in the darkest nights. His unwavering support and steadfast loyalty were as constant as the northern star. No matter the hour or circumstance, you could count on him to be there, offering a helping hand, a comforting word, or a shoulder to lean on.

His laugh was the greatest symphony, a melody that resonated in our hearts long after the echoes faded. It was a laugh that could light up a room, that could turn a moment of sorrow into a moment of joy. It was a laugh that was infectious, that spread happiness like wildfire, that reminded us of the simple joys of life.

He impacted everyone around him in ways words can hardly capture. His spirit, his energy, his love – they were transformative. He had the rare ability to make you feel seen, to make you feel important, to make you feel loved. His impact was not just in the grand gestures, but in the everyday moments, the quiet acts of kindness that spoke volumes about his character.

As we remember him, let us not dwell on the void left by his departure. Instead, let us celebrate his life, the lives he touched, and the love he shared. His physical presence may be gone, but his stories, laugh, and impact live on in each of us. And for that, we are forever grateful.

I met Ken when we were young  people. I was about 16 and he was about 30. He always treated me with the utmost respect. He was the very best brother-n-law I ever had. I loved him always. 
    Hugs and love to you Holly and Carolyn and the kids. Ken will be greatly missed. Love & Light 
Aunt Charmagne

Few memories I have of him but he was always in good spirits. Even got to chat with him and Keith for a bit not too long ago and I'm very grateful for that.

Keith, his grandson was his riding buddy. Everywhere “DaddyKens” needed or wanted to go Keith would drive him. Several hours Keith sat outside of the doctors offices. Now he has all those memories to hold close to his heart.

Daddy and Duke. Duke was his best friend. He’d finish eating supper (sharing supper with Duke) and tell Duke, “come on dog” in that accent that he had. We’d laugh because Duke was usually already between his feet. Where you saw Daddy, you’d see Duke.

OBITUARY

Ray Kenneth Smith

13 May, 1934 – 5 May, 2024

Lakeview Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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