Kenneth (Kenny) Clay Smith, 71, born on June 14, 1953, in Thayer, Missouri, and passed away on August 16, 2024, at his home. He was a devoted husband to Brenda Poulette, with whom he celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage, having tied the knot on April 5, 1974, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Kenny was a proud father to his daughter, Celena LuDawn Russell, and a doting grandfather to his two grandsons, Ethan Russell and Elijah Russell, both of Koshkonong, Missouri. He found immense joy in spending time with his family, whether it was working on the farm, coaching softball team, or tending to his garden. His love for life was evident in his many hobbies, which included farming, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and nurturing the hummingbirds that frequented his yard. He loved his job and strongly believed in a mans responsibility in protecting and providing for his family.
A supporter of the First Baptist Church of Thayer, Kenny was known for his warm spirit and generous heart. He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda K. Smith, his daughter Celena and her husband Nathanael Russell, and a large extended family, including his brother, Jimmy (Bubba) Smith, sisters-in-law Debbie Smith and Connie Roberts, brothers-in-law Curtis and Barbara Poulette and Herbert and Annette Poulette, as well as ten nieces, nephews, twenty-eight great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great- nieces and nephews, eight aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Basil Emmit Smith and Marjorie Crete McDonald Smith, his brothers Benny and Keith Smith, and three nephews; Virgil Poulette, Christopher and Philip Smith, one niece Jennifer Smith Collins, and great-nephew Devon Poulette. His family and friends will remember him fondly for his steadfast love, kindness, and the countless memories they shared. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and his friends that fondly called him Kudu or Hippie.
In leiu of flowers the family asks that memorials be donated to :
Wounded Warriors
Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516
OR
St. Jude Research Hospital
P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101.
OR
The First Baptist Church – Samaritan Purse or Celebrate Recovery
112 N 3rd St, Thayer, MO 65791
A Memorial Service will be held on August 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Christian Activity Center of Thayer, Missouri.
A Family & Friends Meal Gathering will be held on August 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the Christian Activity Center of Thayer, Missouri.
