Kenneth Marshall Smith transitioned peacefully into the nearer presence of God, his heavenly father, on October 28, 2022. He passed just a few days short of his 54th birthday. Ken was born on November 2, 1968 in Florence Alabama to Donna Lea Marshall Smith and Stephen Harrison Smith. His father was attending Auburn University at the time. Ken was the second of six children and first son born to his parents. He was named after his paternal great-grandfather, Kenneth W. Loucks, and for his mother’s family name, Marshall.

Ken never seemed to know there were any limitations on his life or abilities. He loved working outdoors with his father. He enjoyed improvising with the materials on hand to make things work. Ken also enjoyed photography, woodworking, and stained glass. When relaxing, he liked to watch television programs such as Mayberry RFD, MacGyver, and Magnum PI as well as movies from the 70’s and 80’s.

Flea markets and estate auctions were a favorite pastime for Ken. Antique lamps and colorful vases were among his biggest interests. He experienced unbelievable adventures over the years. Many of his amazing stories involved his good friends Paul and Patrick. It is rumored that he may have assisted with at least one emergency roadside birth and possibly walked across a portion of Lake Okeechobee.

His favorite color was always purple. He laughed in a genuine manner that culminated in a large, infectious grin. His eyelashes were longer than everyone else’s and the envy of every girl he met. Ken never gave up on his dream of owning his own home, marrying the right gal, and having children.

Ken loved and took care of his parents and their animals. Although he became wheelchair bound after a stroke in 2020, he fully expected to walk again. A couple days prior to his passing, he was making plans with his family to have a birthday party with chocolate cake.

Our family will miss Ken greatly but we are comforted knowing that he is with his lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and free from asthma and the frustrations of limited mobility.

Ken is survived by his five siblings: Jere Lynne Shumate (Bobby), Joel Harrison Smith (Marni), Julie Elizabeth Woodward (Peter), Michael Andrew Smith (Winona), and Stephen Matthew Smith (Melissa).

Uncles & Aunts: Dale Loucks Smith (Marcia), Linda Lorraine Marshall, and Deborah Lynn Bolick (Rikki)

Nieces & Nephews: Rikki Shannon Rodriguez (Jose), Brooklynne Roelofs, Brayden Rodriguez, Jonathan Shumate, Morgan McLaughlin (Teo), Emma Smith, Nolan Smith, Jacob Woodward, Levi Woodward, Abigail Smith, Julia Smith, Hannah Smith, Kaitlyn Smith, Stephanie Smith, Savannah Smith, Isabella Smith, and Cali Carnevale.

Cousins: Amy Lee McKee (Joe), Jonathan McKee, Timothy McKee, Grace McKee, Adam Smith (Taylor), Amanda Artiles (Denis), Stone Artiles, Sterling Artiles, Deana Redden (Mark), Aubrey Redden, Waylon Redden, Donna Quinlivan Schneider (Mike) and family, Ronnye Sands (Ronny) and family, and Sherri McCardell (Bill) and family.