Kenneth Ray Smith Sr.

During his formative years, Kenneth relocated to Southern CA and attended schools in the San Bernardino, CA area. In 1972, he graduated from Cajon High School and later, enlisted into the U.S. Army where he served in Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Upon returning home from active duty, Kenneth spent a few more years in the Army Reserve and also, worked in security for KTVU, as a cab driver, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for the West Oakland Health Center, and All Saints Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center in San Leandro, CA.

In 1980, Kenneth met the love of his life, Janis and the two were joined together in love on February 14, 1981, by Bishop Nelson Jones of Church of the Living God. They remained joyously married for over forty years before his unexpected transition. Through their union, four children were born: Kennesha, Kenneth, Jr., Kendell, and Kentrell.

After many years, working in the medical field, Kenneth decided to apply for a Longshoreman's position and his number was chosen. On September 30th, of this year, he started working and was given an assignment as a Lasher. A few weeks later, he received job off the Longshoreman Hot Sheet, which, again, was for a Lasher's position but, one that he came to love.

When he wasn't working, Kenneth had a love for electronics... it could be the latest game, iPad, or police scanner, Kenneth was going to get it!

Deacon Kenneth was passionate and dedicated, when it came to his relationship with his Lord and Savior, his family, and, his calling in ministry. He humbly served, others, in need, oftentimes with his loving wife, Janis. Many have been blessed by his counseling, instruction, and sometimes, discipline.

Kenneth has loved ones who preceded him in death; his father, Willie Smith; one son, Kenneth R. Smith, Jr.; a sister, Judy Renee Reed; a brother, Gary Smith; sister-in-laws, Janet Walters, Sheila Renee Gillespie; and, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

Deacon Kenneth Smith, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory... his mother, Ms. Emma Jean Smith; his beloved wife, Janis Smith; three brothers, Mitchell, Cecil (Charon), and Angel Rivera; two sisters, Peggy Smith (Renee) and Rae Joyce Smith; two daughters, Kennesha and Geraldine; three sons, Kendall (Tamia), Kentrell, and Gordon. Eighteen grandchildren that he loved, very much: Jahlani, Jahmar, Kenvia, Daijon, Kalen, Kayahnna, Ka'Leiah, Antonio, Ski'Marie, Leilani, Kyndal, Kendell, Jr., Kentrell, Jr., Ajela, Jaylen, Kamia, Kalani, Kamryn. Four brother-in-laws, Michael Stewart, Glen Stewart, Lucious Stewart, and Tommy Stewart; Two sisters-in-law, Anita Walters and Tanya Taliaferro; god-mother, Ms. Rose Roberts; god-sister, Lovohn WIlliams; god-daughter, Rose Baty; granddaughter in love, Myana Traylor, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A public viewing for Kenneth was held on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Fuller Funerals, Inc, 3100 Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804. A celebration of his life occurred on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Fuller Funerals, Inc, 3100 Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804.