William Kenred Smith

William Kenred Smith “Ken”, a wonderful husband, dedicated father, and beloved grandfather, died October 13th, 2021. He was 70.

Ken was born on the 18th of June 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia. He spent his childhood across several southern states and graduated from East Rowan High School in 1970. In that same year, Ken met the charming and lively, young woman who would become his bride–Jacquline Williams of Spotsylvania, Virginia. Jackie and Ken were married July 8th 1973, and settled in Spotsylvania, where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Mary. Ken homeschooled the two girls and worked as an electrician and home-builder in Virginia. Throughout his life, Ken built many homes and found value in sharing his knowledge and skills with anyone willing to learn, including his children and grandchildren.

Ken was a man who treasured the simplicity of life; in 2005, along with his wife, children, and their families, he moved to Abilene, Texas. Ken read about Abilene in a newspaper and determined it to be the right place for his children and grandchildren to flourish. Ken found remarkable contentment in a slow-paced life with his family in Abilene. He loved to read, take naps, and share his thoughts with anyone who would listen. He was intelligent, brave, compassionate, and generous, traits which he inspired in those that had the pleasure of knowing him. Because of his faithful and admired presence as a husband, father, and grandfather, the life of Ken Smith will be remembered and richly cherished by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Howard, and his brother, Clifford. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jacquline Smith, and by their two children and eight grandchildren: daughter Jennifer (and Josh) Roberson, and their children Alyssa, Andrew, and Audrey; and daughter Mary (and Chad) McIntosh, and their children Rebecca (and Carl Kimbrough), Lilian, Chad, Mary Elizabeth, and Scott. He is also survived by five siblings: brothers Carlton, Barry, and Brian; and sisters Brenda Rodgers and Sharon Lingerfelt.