Kenneth Beech Smith, 78, passed away on January 1, 2021. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan and served in the US Navy. Mr. Smith is survived by his 3 daughters: April Ann Smith, Julie Marie Payne and Christine Lynn Williams; 4 brothers: Jim Smith, Roger Smith, John Dee Smith and Tommy Smith; sister, Betty Ann Conklin; 6 grandchildren: DeVon Harper, Stefanie Melice, Brittany Payne, Kaitlyn Payne, Zachary Payne and Alyssa Wade; 4 great-grandchildren: Anthony Melice, McKensie Melice, Annabella Payne and Kahlani Williams; and a host of extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, January 7, 2020 at Grace Episcopal Church, 245 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL. Burial will follow in Jacksonville National Cemetery with honors at 2:30 PM in Lane 2. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.