Kennon Smith

Lewis Kennon Smith Jr., known to all as Kennon, age 98, of Cadwell, Georgia, passed away on June 30, 2026 at his residence after having been in declining health for several months.

Born on January 18, 1928, in Cadwell, Georgia, Kennon was the son of the late Lewis K. and Eva Warren Smith. In addition to his parents, Kennon was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Louise Burch Smith, the mother of his children, and Mary Wynn Smith, his high school sweetheart with whom he was reunited after Louise's passing.  Also preceding him in death were his cherished sisters, Carolyn Smith, who died in childhood, and Jean Smith Coleman. 

He is survived by his sons, Mark Smith and Ken (Diane) Smith, both of Cadwell; his granddaughter, Sara Smith of St. Marys, GA; and his nieces, Carolyn Bowman of Kathleen, GA, Melinda (Stan) Wright of Cadwell, and Eve (Ron) Crooks of Cumming, GA, as well as numerous extended family.

Kennon was a 1949 graduate of the University of Georgia and a proud Bulldog.  After serving four years in the United States Air Force, he returned to Cadwell to work with his father at what was then Farmers Clearing Bank, now Farmers State Bank, as well as to farm, where he row-cropped, raised hogs and cattle, and tended his pecan grove as long as he could.

He was a man of deep Christian faith and integrity, and as such served as a deacon (emeritus at the time of his death) at Cadwell Baptist Church, where he also served as church treasurer for 35 years and was the oldest living member at the time of his passing. He also served on the boards of directors of Farmers State Bank and Progressive Rural Telephone Cooperative.

Kennon was a sterling example as a father and husband, ensuring that his children knew the gospel of Jesus Christ and the value of hard work and perseverance.  He was also an example of selfless love in the many ways that he took care of his wife Louise during the many years, the last 13 in a hospital bed, that she was afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. As a demonstration of God rewarding his faithfulness, Kennon and his second wife Mary were able to enjoy traveling throughout the country on motor coach tours, something he could not do with Louise.

He was an avid golfer as long as his health would permit, shooting his age into his 90s. He was also a Masters patron for many years and often said that he could close his eyes and visualize every hole at Augusta National.

A funeral service celebrating Kennon’s life well lived will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, July 6th, 2026 at Cadwell Baptist Church, with Rev. Jonathan Rowe and Rev. Ox Marina as officiants. Interment will follow in Cadwell Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dan Rowe, David Rowe, Brian Tapley, Pee Wee Upshaw, Hayden Wright, and Stan Wright.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Sunday, July 5th, 2026 at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in memory of Kennon Smith be made to Cadwell Baptist Church, P.O. Box 97, Cadwell, GA  31009.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff of Remarkable Hospice, particularly Lorrie Bryan, CNA, nursing assistant, and Ashley White, RN, for their compassionate care for Kennon during the last two months.

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