Kenny was born April 2, 1934 in Maysville Arkansas to Lottie Bell and Thomas Jefferson (TJ) Smith. In 1941, the family moved to Tucson, AZ as Kenny had a breathing problem and needed a dry climate. In his early teens, Kenny became interested in the guitar. Soon it became obvious he had a natural talent for music and went on to become an accomplished guitarist. He graduated from Tucson High School and married his high school sweetheart Sidney Ellen Shay October 28, 1953 at the First Baptist Church in Tucson. A gifted musician, he made a living from the age of 15 playing music. He performed on the first television show in Tucson, owned the El Casino Ballroom, and toured with Wade Ray. He later formed his band The Westerners famous for "Its Rodeo Time in Old Tucson" song played during 'Rodeo Week' in Tucson. Kenny and his band toured the country performing in Las Vegas at the Showboat and Golden Nugget, Reno's Harrah's, and Elko Nevada where they welcomed the birth of their first daughter Shelby Ellen. Throughout the years Kenny has performed with or shared the stage with music legends; Wayne Newton, Marty Robbins, Bob Wills, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, Jim Reeves, Les Paul and many more. Kenny has played all over the world including Hawaii, Greenland, Alaska, Canada and many cities from coast to coast. He also toured with Dean Armstrong and the Arizona Ranch hands.

In 1966, Kenny & Sidney left the traveling road life and settled in Grove, OK. Soon after moving to Grove, Kenny and Sidney were baptized at Grove's First Baptist Church. They attended there for many years. He initially worked with his brother Coy at the Chevrolet dealership. Later, He owned and operated Rainbow Mobile Homes and then went on to create Easy Living mobile home sales and Firebird Mobile Home Park in Grove. Over the years he continued to perform his "one man band" at area resorts and other local venues. In addition to music and mobile homes, Kenny served the community of Grove as member of the Grove Board of Trustees. During this period of his life God blessed them with the birth of a second daughter Carrie Melissa.

In addition to music, family and mobile homes, Kenny love aviation and was an avid member the local radio control aircraft club in Grove – a passion shared and passed down to his grandson Cameron. Kenny resided in Grove until late 2009 when a stroke made it difficult for him to live alone. He lived briefly with his daughter Shelby and then sister Corene in Tucson. Thankfully he improved enough to live independently and was able to move into his own apartment near daughter Carrie in Wichita Kansas early in 2010. Kenny was able to live independently in his last years with the help of his daughter Carrie - a promise she made to him and kept.

The music of Heaven has surely been playing since his arrival as he was always able to put a smile on everyone's face when he brought out the guitar. His music has long been missed since he became unable to travel. He will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, and fans across the country. He went to the Lord and joined members of his family in heaven on October 6, 2013 and no doubt enjoying a beautiful musical reunion.

Kenny is preceded in heaven by his parents, two brothers, Wayne Ray and J.T.in childhood, and big brother, Coy Smith. He is survived by sisters Janice Hynum of Grove, Ok and Corene Hanna of Tucson, Az. Two daughters, Shelby Brawley (Tucson, AZ), and Carrie Garcia (Valley Center, Ks), and four grandchildren Cameron, Cassie, Carter & Clayton Garcia. Flowers may be sent to Grove's First Baptist Church, 501 E 13th Street, Grove, OK, ?(918) 786-4419. Service will also be held at this location at 2 pm, 11 Oct 2013.
Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center has charge. Condolences for the family may be left at www.bakerfhvc.com