Kenneth J. Smith

Mr. Kenneth James Smith, 84, formerly of Dayton, OH and Aiken, SC, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, in West Palm Beach, FL. Born in McKee, KY, Kenneth was the son of Reverend Eldon and Ella Mae Smith. He attended Oneida Baptist Institute in Oneida, KY, and graduated from Dixie High School in New Lebanon, OH. He worked as a machinist in several industries, eventually retiring from Chemineer, Inc. in Dayton, OH, where he had been a supervisor. After retirement, he and his wife, Frances, relocated to Aiken, SC. Kenneth was a gentle, peaceful, and loving husband and father. His greatest joy was his family. He was well-liked and respected by all who knew him. He was a gifted athlete and excelled in sports throughout his life, enjoyed fishing, and played plenty of golf after retirement. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Gene (Peggy) Smith, and his son, Gregory Todd Smith. He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, who was his high school sweetheart, Frances Collinsworth Smith; his daughter, Deborah (Mo) Wazir; grandsons Abrar (Antonia) Wazir and Zafar Wazir; niece Shari (Paul) Bowers; nephew Kevin (Kristen) Smith, and many loving extended family members. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held at Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Visitation begins at 4pm, followed by a service at 5pm. Burial to take place at Southlawn Cemetery, 4524 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 11am.