Kenneth Paul “Ken” Smith, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend flew home to be with his Maker on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Orlando, FL. He was 56 years old.
Ken was born in Royston, GA on August 9, 1967, son of the late James Edward Smith and the late Carolyn Royston Smith. Ken graduated from Franklin Springs High School in 1985. He met the love of his life, Audra Maria Williams, while she was living in Franklin Springs and attending Emmanuel College. The two married on March 2, 1991 in Orlando, FL. He worked for Winn-Dixie Stores for 28 years, and for Publix Super Markets for the past 4 years. Ken lived a simple life and when asked, would say his hobby was “Audra.” He was devoted to his faith, family, and church community. His children describe his passion by always wanting to make their dreams become a reality. Ken loved the country outdoors, specifically horses, and traveling to the mountains and watch the leaves turn in the fall. He also loved traveling to Georgia and Oklahoma to visit his children, their spouses, and his granddogs, Honey and Orvis. Ken never met a stranger and worked quickly to know every detail about the lives of each person he encountered. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Ken is survived by his wife, Audra Smith of the home; daughter Carolyne and husband Brady Williams of Oklahoma City, OK; son Jordan Smith and wife Karis of Athens, GA; and first grandson, Baby Williams, due March 2024. He is also survived by his brother Tim Smith and wife Cindy of Hartwell, GA; sister-in-law Lisa of Lexington, SC; father and mother-in-law Paul and Evelyn Williams of Longwood, FL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Susan Williams of Longwood, FL; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jon and Marcia Martin of Apopka, FL; nieces/nephews: Olivia, Adam, Emily, Joe, Amanda, Daniel, Amber, Isaac, Kevin, Ashley, Teddy, Victoria, Dylan, Alyssa, Justin, Addison, and James; and many cousins and friends.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Carolyn Smith, and his brother Jim Smith. He is also preceded by his grandparents, Luther and Margie Royston, and Hoyt and Ida Smith.
Arrangements are being administered by Loomis Family Funeral Home in Apopka. Services will be held at Orlando International Worship Center, 4700 Goddard Avenue, Orlando, FL on November 30, 2023 at 1pm. Public visitation will take place at the church prior to the service, from 11am-12:30pm. There will be a burial and graveside service in Franklin Springs, GA at a later date/time.