Kenneth Leroy Smith

Kenneth Leroy Smith, also known as Ken or Kenny by his family and friends, passed away at the age of 80 in Leander, Texas, on August 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with late-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Ken was born on November 7, 1943, on a farm in Liberty Hill, Texas. He entered the world with the help of Dr. Ross, who arrived in a horse and buggy—a story Ken loved to tell. Ken began his career in the grocery business at age 13 as the bottle boy at Lou Sweets grocery store in Austin, Texas. He continued in the grocery business for the majority of his working life, holding the position of Market Manager at HEB, Randall’s, Market Basket, and Safeway. Ken furthered his career with business courses. Ken’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to briefly leave the grocery business to open his own restaurant, Ken’s Country Corner, just north of Georgetown on IH-35. The restaurant was very popular, but with only Ken and Penny running the place, the long hours from morning till late night, combined with raising two small children, made it very difficult to keep going. After a couple of years, Ken returned to his roots in the grocery business until retiring. Throughout his career, Ken was known for his dedication and received recognition for his outstanding service.

Ken is survived by his wife of 60 years, Penny Smith of Leander, Texas; his son Kevin Smith and his wife Cindy of Austin, Texas; his son Richard Smith of Leander, Texas; his sister Georgia Ann Smith of Snook, Texas; his sister-in-law, Bess Newton of Leander, Texas; and his aunt Bernice Collins of California. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kirsten Smith of Austin, Texas, and Todd Smith and Dylan Smith of Leander, Texas. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Cynthia Summers Mathisen of Snook, Keith Newton and Shawn Newton of Leander, Duane Newsom of Dallas, and Brandon Newsom of Austin. Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Hulda Smith; his father, Leroy Smith; his sister, Nelda Newsom; his brother-in-law, Howard Newton; his nephew, Jimmy Summers; and his niece, Jeanice Newton.

Ken played football, baseball, participated in bowling, track & field, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. However, his favorite sport was racing his cars, and he was known in the racing community as “The Old Man.” Although he eventually sold his prized 1971 Mustang Fastback, the love for racing never faded. Just a few months ago, his sons took him to the Little River Racetrack to watch them race, bringing immense joy to Ken, his family, and friends. Ken had a fun spirit and loved to play funny gags and tricks with newcomers to our family. For example, plane rides, watching the stars through a coat sleeve, moo cow and more. The whole family enjoyed laughing along with him. Be sure to ask about these. Maybe you can have a plane ride too! After his retirement, Ken spent a lot of time tinkering and fixing up broken items like lawn mowers and bicycles. He loved these projects and even managed to earn a few extra bucks here and there, which brought him great satisfaction.

Services will be held at Beck Funeral Home in Cedar Park, Texas, on September 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. Visitation with the family begins at 9 a.m., with refreshments served after the service.