Mr. Kenneth "K.J." J. Smith

Born November 30, 1921, to the late Grover and Tracy Smith of Stokes county, Ken later moved with the family to Greensboro which he was proud to call home.

Ken was in the 346th Field Artillery Battalion for the United States Army serving tours in North Africa and Italy during WWII from 1941 to 1945. Once he returned from war, his perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit that was inherent to those of the Greatest Generation, led him to start his own general contracting business. K.J Smith Builders and Realty was started in 1959 and continues to thrive. Ken served as president of the North Carolina Home Builder’s Association from 1976 to 1977 and had numerous homes featured in the prestigious Parade of Homes. In addition to building homes, Ken built solid relationships with customers and suppliers and his legacy will be remembered.

Ken was an active member of Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church and the Laws Park Sunday school class.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Guy Smith, and Gray Smith, and sister Neda Moorefield.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Pruitt Smith of the home in addition, their children Julia Gordon (Russ) and Keith Smith (Glenda) of Greensboro, grandchildren Korie Lovette (Darren) and Stuart Smith (Mary) of Greensboro, Courtney Willingham (Russ) of Clemmons, and Kristin Staley (David) of Durham. He had three very special and beloved great-grandchildren Brock Lovette, Katherine Lovette and Clayton Staley.

Ken is also survived by brothers, Brock Smith and Henry Smith of Greensboro, and sisters, Ruth Watts, Jane Anderson, and Helen Beasley all of Greensboro and Jackie Johns of Jupiter, Florida.

The family will receive friends Thursday, September 30 at Hanes Lineberry, N. Elm Chapel from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held, Friday, October 1, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Erica, Pam and Molly from Hospice for their support and care.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, 2600 Pisgah Church Road, Greensboro, NC 27455 and Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405

Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com