Robert "R.K." Kennon Smith

Robert Kennon “ R K” Smith, 94, passed away Friday, December 1, 2017 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Mr. Smith was born September 6, 1923 in Granby PQ, Canada. He was the youngest son of Robert Kennon Smith and Bessie Rainey Smith. Mr. Smith graduated from UNC Chapel Hill where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Following graduation he served in the United States Navy in WWII. After his service in the Navy, he pursed a career in banking and finance and retired from PaineWebber, an investment firm in New York. Upon retirement he returned to Bartow and married his high school sweetheart Katherine Ragsdale. He lovingly cared for Katherine until her death and also cared for his sister Elizabeth until her death. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Katherine Smith, his sister Elizabeth S. Orr, his brother Frank D. Smith Sr. and step son Robert Eugene Ragsdale. He is survived by his brother Frank’s children Bessie S. Kirk (Jack) of Richmond, VA, Frank “David” Smith, Jr. (Barbara) of Franklinton, NC, Robert L. Smith (Jeanie) of Montpelier, VA and Lynn S. Campbell (Joe) of Blowing Rock, NC. Surviving also are his step daughters Jan Barret of Birmingham, AL, Nancy Kolski of Orlando, FL and stepson Velpeau Ragsdale of Alberton, GA. He is also survived by six great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece and three great-great nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Smith’s step daughter Nancy and her husband Frank and his caregiver Joe for their care of Uncle Kennon. A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date at Red House Presbyterian Church in Semora, NC. Memorials may be made to Red House Presbyterian Church. Condolences to family at www.whiddnmcleanfuneralhome.com