The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Kenneth Ray Smith, 65, of Mauriceville, Texas, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Corpus Christie, Texas, on February 10, 1958, he was the son of Charles and Eunice (Peterson) Smith. Kenneth was a dedicated and hardworking employee at Optimus Steel as a Lab Technician. When he wasn’t at work, he found ways to occupy his time whether it was hunting, fishing, working on cars, or just being outdoors and enjoying nature. He would tell you the best time he had was when he was enjoying his family, especially his granddaughter, “his partner in crime”.

Music was a big part of his life, and he was always searching for a new sound to enjoy. Many times, you could catch him enjoying his favorite western or military movie, it was even better if it starred his hero John Wayne, or a great game of football.

One of the best days of his life, besides the day he married the love of his life, Melinda Smith, to whom he was married for 46 years, was the day they attended a tent revival together and were both saved. After that day, he was dedicated to Christ for the rest of his life. You could count on Kenneth to help lift your spirits if you were down and show you just what it meant to be a good friend. He was filled with a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and was always ready for a good time.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eunice Smith, and his brother Charles Earl “Buster” Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Melinda Smith, son, Adam Wayne Smith, and daughter, Leslie Smith Wade and husband, Kenneth Michael, all of Mauriceville, Texas. His grandchildren Lily May Smith Greenwald of Mauriceville, and Brandon Michael Wade of Hammond, Louisiana. He also leaves a sister, Theresa Griffith and husband, Ronnie of Vidor, Texas and brother, Michael Smith and wife, Patricia, of Bernice, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Disabled Veterans at DAV.org.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.