Kelly Edward Smith

Mr. Kelly Edward Smith, age 81, of Big Spring, KY, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Kelly was born in Cochran, GA, on February 16, 1944, the son of Hansel Harris and Lottie Mae (Maddox) Smith. Kelly was a devout man of God who wanted everyone he encountered to build a lasting relationship with God. Most of all, Kelly’s greatest joy in life was being a husband, father and grandfather. Kelly never met a stranger, he would be quick to tell you, “a stranger is just someone that I haven’t spoken to yet.” Kelly was never at a loss for words and after spending more than five minutes with him, you knew what the weather was going to be for the week, the current news stories of the day, how his family was doing and the latest joke he had heard from one of the many friends he had spoken to that day. Heaven has acquired a true believer and a devoted family man. While we are sad that he has left us to go be with his eternal Father, we are grateful that the Lord gave us 81 years with a legend. Kelly you will forever be missed and loved by all your friends and family and the countless people that were lucky enough to have known you.

Kelly will be welcomed home in heaven by his parents and seven siblings, Y.H. Smith, Ivey Smith, Wayne Smith, Joyce Kramp, Dorothy Tanner, Clarice Williford and Roy Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Brenda Marie Smith; eight children, Edward Lee (Sondra) Smith, Kevin Wayne (Sherry) Smith, Jason Allen (Casey) Smith, Michael Paul (Pam) Smith, Eric Aaron (Dana) Smith, Tammy Lynn (Charlie) Ammons, Kelly Michelle (Marcus) Rodriguez and Tiffany Renee Smith; 38 grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his brother, Jullian Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the chapel of Hager Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Bolin officiating. Burial will follow in Ekron Full Gospel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday and from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Friday.