March 12, 2023, 78, Goldsboro –
Ken Gordon Smith, 78, was welcomed into his Savior’s arms on Sunday, March 12, 2023. He was born and raised on his family’s farm in Wayne County to the late John Roger Smith and Viola Carter Smith on February 4, 1945.
Working for Kemp Furniture in Goldsboro and retiring after 24 years, Ken continued to work at Lenox China in Kinston and completed an additional 13 years of service.
Through growing up on the family farm, the love of nature filled him. Always finding joy in working in his yard, he took great pleasure in maintaining an immaculate landscape. He found full contentment with a fishing pole in hand, whether the fish were biting or not. Whether standing on the banks of his favorite fishing holes or trolling down the river to fish along the banks, Ken considered this time well-spent. A member of the Wayne County Wildlife Club, perhaps his favorite fishing spot was the Wildlife Club pond.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Ken’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Barry Teague officiating. Interment will be on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in Fairview Cemetery in LaGrange.
Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Ann Stroud Smith; brother, Roger Smith and wife, Kay; sisters-in-law, Pat Smith and Frances Stroud Massengill; brother-in-law, Hank Stroud, and wife, Darlene; niece, LuJene Smith Merritt and husband, Buddy and Sheila Stroud Sauls and husband, Jeff; nephews, Sam Smith and wife, Ashley, Frank Sauls and wife, Kristi, Terry Stroud, and Jerry Stroud and wife, Sheri; and his great nieces and nephews, Chris, Lauren, Kristen, Hannah, MacKenzie, Harper, Reed, Maci, John, Ryan, Derek, Alec, and Stevie Ann.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray Smith and John Wayne “Bud” Smith; sister, Sandra Smith; nephew, Jesse Smith; niece, Angie Sherman Reiman; and brothers-in-law, Charlie Massengill and Frank Sauls.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in his memory to
Kitty Askins Hospice Center
107 Handley Park Court
Goldsboro, NC 27534
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
