Kenneth K Smith died peacefully Friday, July 4, 2025 at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS at the age of ninety-three.

Born in Vernon, TX November 27. 1931 to Alonzo Douglas Smith and Bessie G Smith.

Ken grew up in Pineland, TX where he attended Pineland High School. While later Graduating from Natchitoches Central High School, Natchitoches Louisiana. After Graduation,  he served four years in the United States Air Force. Last stationed at James Connally Air Force Base in Waco, TX.

Ken attended Baylor University and operated his photography studio located on campus. Later spending a number of years in the news business at KWTX as a news photographer. Where he met the love of his life Dorothy Joe Bryan. Ultimately pursuing a career in community development with the Waco Chamber of Commerce. During his years with the Waco Chamber he served as a member of the development team that created McLennan Community College in 1965. While also serving on the FT. Fisher Committee from 1963-1968 that led to the creation of the Ft. Fisher Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum in Waco.

After accepting the position of Chamber Manager at the Vicksburg Chamber in 1968,  he soon returned to Texas in 1970 accepting the Chamber Executive position in Mesquite, where he served the remaining years of his community development career until 1986.

Returning to Vicksburg, MS later that year to Write and Produce the Vanishing Glory and becoming a part of the Vicksburg Tourism Industry.

The next chapter was a twenty-five-year career in transportation with Cline Tours, a Private Charter bus company. Where he made life-long friends and enjoyed his customers over the years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dotti B Smith; father, Alonzo Douglas Smith; mother, Bessie G. Smith; brother, Lloyd Douglas Smith; half-brother, Roy and wife Verlene.

Survivors include two sons, Ken Smith Jr., and Hardy Smith; grandson, Mikiel Smith; nephew, Kender Smith; niece, Kimberly Smith.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 12 from 10am to 11am at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue with services to follow.