Kenneth Smith, 85
August 6, 1940 – December 7, 2025
Kenneth Ray Smith, of Cotton Plant, peacefully went to be with Jesus on Sunday, December 7, 2025. A Graveside Service will be at 3:30 Wednesday, December 10 in the Blue Mountain Cemetery.
Kenneth was a loving and compassionate man whose life was defined by his concern for others. He consistently went beyond the call to help anyone in need, offering kindness, support, and a steady presence to all who knew him.
Kenneth was educated at Tippah Union School and later attended Northeast Community College. He built a long and respected career in the industrial and construction fields, serving as Plant Manager for Wyandotte Chemical Company for 21 years. He then worked as a Project Engineer with IMC from 1977 to 1984 and as a Project Engineer with Jesco Corporation from 1984 to 1987, where he helped manage the construction of the Ami-Dri Plant. Kenneth was also an avid welder who enjoyed making and fixing things for others—no challenge was too big, and he took pride in bringing any project to life.
Kenneth shared a lifelong home with his loving wife of 63 years, Mrs. Janie Lee Gowdy Smith. Together, they enjoyed traveling short distances to find joy in simple acts of kindness, such as sharing vegetables from his garden and gifts with friends, neighbors, and the doctors and nurses who cared for them over the years.
He loved spending quiet mornings fishing, reading his Bible, and visiting the local coffee shop for conversation with the other guys, where he enjoyed talking politics and proudly bragging on his President, Donald Trump. Above all else, Kenneth cherished time with his grandsons, Collin and Joshua Paul, who were the light of his life. He also enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Daisy, who adored him just as much.
Kenneth was a rock for his family and community. He poured his heart into every project he touched, especially the Christmas in Cotton Plant display, ensuring the tradition brought joy to everyone who visited. Even when he could no longer stand for long hours, he supported the effort by sitting in his truck at the end of the driveway, watching with curious excitement as families spent special time together enjoying the lights.
Preceded in Death-Parents-Lillie Mae Chunn and Roy L. Smith, Brother-Bobby Wayne Smith, Niece-Judy Berry Nephew-Bobby (Little Bob) Smith Brother- Rev. Gene Smith (Delco) Niece-Mavis Kennamore Sister-Rose Marie Medlin (JT), Nephew-Ronnie Medlin, Sister-in-law-Ann Kesterson (Don)
Survived by:
Wife of 63 years- Janie Lee Gowdy Smith, Daughter-Christy Paul (Steven) of Cotton Plant, Grandsons-Collin Paul (Millie Holley), Joshua Paul, Brother-Jerry Little, Sister-in-laws-Ramonia McAlister (Roger), Linda Clements, Dinah Dean (Dewayne), Nieces-Daphane Wilson (Tim), Donna Bryant (Ned), Jennifer Tanner, Kerri Cobb (Tony), Tammy Robertson (Kerry Lane), Tonja Moore (Mike), Nephews-Steve Medlin (Miranda), Brad McAlister (Stephanie), Eric McAlister, Jason Kennedy (Stacy), Tim Alsup
Pallbearers: Jamie Miller, Zack Jones, Rodney Page, Mason McAlister, Brad McAlister, Mike Graves, Cole Rodgers, James Couch, Tony Cobb, Chris Sides
Honorary Pallbearers: Herbert Fuller, Gene Landsdale, Doug Norton, Jeff Pipkin, Jeff Jones, Charlie Browning, Chris Gingerich, Pancho Rivera
Special thanks to Dr. Brad and Lyndie Scott and the Gentiva Home Hospice Care Team for their loving care.
Kenneth’s generous heart, steady faith, and unwavering devotion to his family and community will be remembered always. His memory lives on in the traditions he helped build, the people he served, and the love he shared for others.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
