Kenneth "Kenn" Boyde Smathers

Born September 6, 1944 in Marietta, Georgia, he was a life-long resident of Kennesaw. A 1962 graduate of North Cobb High School where he played in the band, Kenn went to receive his B.S. degree from Georgia Southern University, his Master's from the University of West Georgia and his Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Kenn devoted his adult life to educating and mentoring not only his many student but also his co-workers in Cobb and Paulding County schools. He served under then-president of Kennesaw State University, Dr. Betty Seigel, retiring from education in 2009.

Dr. Smathers is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Olivia Burrell Smathers and his brother, James (Jim) Turner Smathers. Kenn is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna Smathers (Payne); his sister, Mary Helyn Hagin (Smathers); nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family of Dr. Smathers will receive friends Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, Georgia. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 3:00PM in the chapel of Winkenhofer Pine Ridge with Dr. Perry Fowler of Kennesaw First Baptist Church officiating. Following the service Dr. Smathers will be laid to rest beside his parents and brother in Winkenhofer Pine Ridge cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the attentive care to Kenn's many physicians, Wellstar Hospice and to his many caregivers from Helping Hands.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.