Kenneth Ray Smith "Kenny from Winnie"

Kenny Ray Smith, 79, of Winnie, died Sunday, August 16, 2020, at Christus Southeast Texas -St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. Kenny Smith was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Sam Houston and Nellie Smith. He moved to the Winnie area when he was five years old. Kenny grew up in Winnie, where he has many lifelong friends. He graduated from East Chambers High School in 1957 and joined the Navy shortly after. He served on the USS Ranger which was one of the new super carriers built in the 1950’s. He saw the world and was very proud of his service to his country.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Hargraves Smith. In June, they celebrated 42 years of love. He is survived by his sister, Nelda and her husband, Don. He is also survived by his son, Scott and his wife, Tami, of Hamshire; his daughters, Tracy of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Tiffany and her husband, Tom, of Tomball; and Laurie and her husband, Joseph, of Concord, New Hampshire.

Survivors also included his in-laws, Doris Hargraves of Winnie; Talmadge and his wife, Rhonda; Carl and his wife, Caroline; and Gail and her husband, Ricky. His grandchildren, Audrey, Montana, Jake, Brittany, Kristin, Devin, Morganne, Dylan, and Zane; nephews, Darrell and his wife, Yvette; Jeffrey and his friend, Jennifer; Bradley and Ashley; Hank and his wife, Daisy; and Carl III; nieces, Aimee and her husband, Steve; Cody; Lesli and her husband, Billy Jack; Kelly; and Carrie; great-nieces, Leanne and her husband, Josh; Jenna and Stewart; Liliana; Ivy; Rain; Lotti Lane; and Kalaina and Caylee; and great-nephews, Major, Cully, and Mason; and great-great-niece, Mia.

Kenny was a pipefitter working out of Local 195. After he retired from pipefitting he worked at David Self Ford in Winnie for a number of years. Kenny always had a special love for horses and a knowledge that can’t be taught. In the mid 1980’s, Kenny and Darlene built a roping arena in their back pasture. Soon his team roping hobby became a business. It was not anything for them to run 500-1,000 teams on a weekend. Many lifelong friendships were started, and Kenny cherished those years. About 2000, a friend gave him a mare with a racing pedigree. Eventually, he gave up team roping to pursue a very successful career training and running racehorses. He truly had a talent for breeding, training, and winning. He cultivated many friendships on the racetrack. Kenny will be forever loved and missed by his many family members and friends.

A gathering of Mr. Smith’s family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m., with his funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2020, at the Lilton Sonnier Memorial Arena in Winnie-Stowell Park, 335 South Park Street, Winnie. His interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1570, Winnie, Texas 77665.

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