Kennan Smith's Obituary
Kennan Wayne Smith, a longtime resident of the Dallas area, died unexpectedly and peacefully at home on August 21, 2015, at the age of 70. Ken is survived by his wife, Linda J. Smith, his parents-by-heart, H. L. and Helen Jacobs, brother-by-heart, Donnie Jacobs and wife Kim; sisters-by-heart, Terri Jacobs and Rhonda Vaughan and husband John; sister Costella (Ted) Hamlin and husband Dewey of Petersburg, Virginia; as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lottie Adams Smith, and his father, George Smith. Ken was born in Martinsville, Virginia, on February 9, 1945, and was the youngest of 14 children. He graduated from Albert Harris High School in Martinsville in 1963. He went on to graduate Cum Laude in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ken was very active during his time at JSC. Among other things, he served as president of the Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Collegiate Council for the United Nations. He was also selected to appear in the 1967 Edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. After graduating from JSC, Ken attended College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He then held several different positions before beginning his career with Exxon, where he worked for a number of affiliates at a number of locations. He retired from Exxon Corporation in 1999 as a Public Affairs Officer, and was always very proud of his career with them. Ken was a devoted husband and a loyal friend to many. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking music, and traveling. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at Restland Funeral Home. His funeral is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Restland Funeral Home, followed immediately by a brief graveside service and reception. The Reverend Charlotte Banks will officiate. If anyone would like to make a remembrance, one suggestion is a contribution in Ken’s memory to the Brain Injury Association of America, Texas Division. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243 at Restland Road.
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