Kenneth Berve Smith, Jr.

POWDERSVILLE, SC - Kenneth Berve Smith, Jr., age 75, of Powdersville, husband of Susan Settlage Smith, passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 at home after a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s and two cancers.
Born in Independence, MO on December 28, 1944, he was the son of the late Lucile Williams and Kenneth Berve Smith, Sr.
Ken was a graduate of William Chrisman High School and the University of Missouri, where he received his bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering and his master’s degree in business administration and was an active member of the National Sporting Goods Association and First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, serving as a deacon, elder and finance chairman. He was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church in Powdersville, SC and the Greenville Area Parkinson’s Society.
Ken’s main love was his family, enjoying time with his children and grandchildren. He also loved traveling, especially to National Parks and Monuments, visiting 54 in all. He had a gift for poetry and a passion for creating and building projects. Moving to South Carolina four years ago, he was involved in Osher Life Long Learning Institute at Furman University and an avid supporter of the Greenville Symphony.
Ken married Susan Settlage on August 24, 1968. After a brief Army Reserves commitment, he joined his father as production manager and the CEO of York Archery, a family owned business. He later assumed production manager role at Bear Archery in Gainesville, FL and Proline Archery in Hastings. His last and favorite career was a manufacturers representative for Warmington Industries in Grand Rapids.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a daughter, Beth Ann Smith of Grand Rapids; a son, Brice Smith (Amanda) of Greenville; grandchildren, Vivian Smith and Owen Smith; a sister, Linda Cozart of Alamosa, CO; two brothers-in-law, Hugh Cozart and Tom Settlage; and seven nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by a sister, Gayle Johnson and a sister-in-law, Jean Settlage.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 at Bethesda United Methodist Church with visitation to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greenville Area Parkinson’s Society, 40 John McCarroll Way, Greenville, SC 29607 or Bethesda United Methodist Church, 516 Piedmont Rd, Easley, SC 29642.