Kevin Smith Sr.

Kevin Smith, Sr., age 61, resident of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at his residence. Private Memorial Services will be scheduled by the family at a later date.

Mr. Smith, son of Bonnie L. Petty Vandehey and the late Donald Vandehey, was born April 15, 1962 in Riverside, California. As a teenager in high school, he was a gifted runner in both track and cross country. After high school and college, he served the military in the U.S. Air Force, and was Catholic by faith. Mr. Smith was employed by Total Systems (TSYS) where he faithfully worked as Information Security for over 18 years. He was a family man, always looking forward to spending quality time with his kids and grandkids. Mr. Smith loved to be at home in his “happy place” the pool, and being a host for family and friends when he would grill or cook a special meal. Also, while at home, many would see him studying and trying to master Fantasy Football. He also enjoyed listening to classic rock; watching both action and SCIFY fantasy movies. He relished the time playing videos games with his grandkids. Mr. Smith was both an avid NFL fan (Dallas Cowboys) and MLB fan (Chicago Cubs).

The family remembers him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather – loyal to everyone, always keeping people alert and laughing.

Other than his father, Mr. Smtih was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Scott, Jr.; and a brother, Rick Pitcher. He is survived by his wife, Donna Smith of Columbus; his mother, Bonnie Vandehey of Dallas, Oregon; one daughter, Amber Kiddie and her husband Judd of Grayslake, Illinois; one son, Nathan Smith of Columbus, Georgia; two step-sons, Kyle Collins and his wife Emily and Kory Collins and his wife Bethany; six grandchildren, Lincoln, Lexi, Elaina, Andrew, Marilynne, and Greyson; mother-in-law, Sandra Arnold; many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.