Ken was born in Howell Michigan on January 14m 1930; the youngest of three siblings. Ken was the son of a well-established family in the Howell community. Ken’s father William McPherson Smith, Sr. was a WWI veteran and partner/owner of a piston and dye factory and his mother Esther B. Smith was a former violinist virtuoso.
Ken did well in school, ran track and field and he learned to fly at an early age. Ken was mechanically inclined and became fond of sailing which carried through his entire life. Ken’s mechanical inclinations lead him to an apprenticeship after high school with General Motors School of Dealers and Mechanics for two years while working at a local Cadillac Dealership. Ken would go on to attend Vanderbilt University and upon graduating, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. After graduating, Ken had the opportunity to join the Air Force and became a fighter pilot where he could enjoy a prosperous 20-year career.
During flight school, Ken met and married his wife of 52 years Elaine Leverette of Moultrie, Georgia, and they would have four children together. While in service Ken would serve in Vietnam where he flew over 80 missions with the 1st Air Commando’s Squadron/1st Special Operations “Hobos” flying the A-1 Sky Raider (which wound up being his favorite plane of all that he had flown in his career). Ken’s skill and bravery during his tour in Vietnam lead him to receive the Aur Force’s highest honor, “The Distinguished Flying Cross”.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, Ken would empower himself by continuing his education, earning various degrees and Master’s Degrees, serving his local community with his vast experience, knowledge, and hands on approach for the Housing and Urban Development Community Re-Development program in Springfield, Florida. But most of all, Ken’s greatest passion was spending time growing with his family and enjoying the talents and exploits of his children.
Ken was later introduced to Mary C. Brown and they would develop a new and loving relationship that would have them cruising and traveling the world together that would lead their love for one another to marriage. Ken and Mary were very blessed to have had 10 beautiful years together.
Ken is survived by his wife, Mary C. Brown; his two daughters: Heather E. Jones and Allison J. Baker; his sons: Kennedy M. “Mac” Smith, Jr. and his wife Shawnette Renee Smith, and Andrew Beryl Smith along with seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Big Bend Hospice (1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308) or Canopy Roads Baptist Church (925 Bannerman Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312).
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