Rev. George Kenneth Smith

Rev. George Kenneth Smith, age 86, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024. 

He was born in Asheville, North Carolina to William McKinley and Moleta Buckner Smith in January of 1938.

He was a graduate of A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, North Carolina. He received degrees in Biology, Physical Education, and School Administration from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina and Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. He was a high school and college athlete.

Rev. George Smith was a teacher at Bell Elementary School, and he was also a teacher and coach at T.C. Roberson High School in Asheville, North Carolina. He was a principal at Bells High School in Ruffin, South Carolina. He was the Assistant Principal at Airport High School in West Columbia, South Carolina. He also owned a business named "People Builders, Inc" where he developed a program for identifying youth at risk. 

He was a student council advisor at Airport High School, the State Student Council Advisor for South Carolina, the Eastern Advisor for the Southern Association of Student Councils, the Co-Director for the National Leadership Training Center at Myrtle Beach, and the Director of the South Carolina ASC Leadership Workshop  held at Winthrop College each summer.

In 1981, he was awarded the "Order of the Palmetto" in recognition of his interest and friendship to the State of South Carolina and her people by Governor Richard W. Riley. He also received the "William Spurgeon Award" for outstanding service to youth in the area. 

Rev. George Smith was a member of West Side Baptist Church where he served as a teacher, deacon, children and youth minister, and associate pastor. 

He loved his family and children and youth of all ages. He enjoyed backpacking trips, camping, and hiking in the mountains of North Carolina.

He is preceded in passing by his parents; his brothers Bill, Robert, Louis, and Charles; and his sister Doris Smith Winston.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Smith; his sons Phillip Wayne Smith and Darrell Kevin Smith; daughters-in-law Sunah Smith and Monica Pampell; and nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home from 1:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. with the funeral service following at 3:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Faith Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to West Side Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina or to International Baptist Church in Madison, Alabama.

A memorial service will be held on July 27th at West Side Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina.