Kenny Dee Smith, age 61, of Sanford, NC, passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Duke University Hospital.

He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 9, 1960 to the late Kenneth Louis Smith and Barbara Hurst Smith.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Tammy Smith.

Kenny was a loving and caring family man who loved his family more than anything.  He was a wonderful provider to his family and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  Kenny was retired Airborne and Paratrooper from the United States Army.  He was also a boxer for the troops winning many trophies.  After his retirement from the military, he obtained his trucking license and drove trucks all over the country and Canada before driving trucks close to home so he could be closer to his family.  He loved sports, football, martial arts, Bruce Lee and John Wayne.  He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, of 39 years, Linda M. Smith; children Savannah Dee Wilson and husband Phillip, Auston Smith, Toni Smith, Jacob Smith all of Sanford; siblings Tony Smith of Sweden, Marla Smith Paden of Oregon, Janice Smith Hackvarth of Oregon and step-brother Larry Conley and wife Candice of Pasco, Washington; grandchildren Isabella Wilson, Emanuel Smith, Raykwon “Momo” and Kvon Singletary and his fur-babies Chanel, Dillon and Sampson.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home.  A service will be held Thursday, October 21st at 2:00 PM at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake, NC 28390 with Rev. Robert Thomas officiating.