Kevin Smith Sr.

April 15, 1962 - August 27, 2023

Private memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.

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.

Vance Brooks

Mark Schrenk

Sandy Groscost

John Keth

John Keth

Paul Freeman

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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 aContinue Reading

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RIP KEVDAWG. First time meeting you was at the YMCA bed race. You were wearing a big cowboy hat if I recall correctly but thank you for letting me into your home and petting the doggies and raising a good son who is one of my best friends. May your soul be at peace.

Kevin was a great co-worker, I had worked with him often over the years and every instance was a good one. Security can be a difficult thing but having Kevin work on an issue meant it was going to be taken care of in a timely manner and done correctly. Honestly he was impressive with the amount of things he could get taken care of expediently and correctly. I often would run into Kevin and he was just a good guy to talk to; everyone's opinion of Kevin is high and we were all fond of him. He will be missed for certain.

I wish to extend my Deepest Sympathies to the Smith and Vandehey families.I had the pleasure and privilege to work with Kevin for just a short year and a half at TSYS. His professionalism and comradery were exceptional! Kevin could always break the tension in a meeting and bring a smile to your face. He is a true professional and very genuine human being. My wish for his family and close friends, is to know that Kevin will never truly leave them. He will always be there, he will always come to them, when they least expect it, in their thoughts, in their dreams and he will always be in their hearts as all of them were always and forever be, in his. Again, My Deepest Sympathy, Gary C. Bradley

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Kevin and I worked together for a very long time. Kevin was a friend and a wonderful teammate. Kevin and I would often talk about our boys, Holden and Nathan and share the joys and challenges of raising boys. He was funny some days and grumpy others. Kevin and I recently joked about the number of times I had to do damage control after a set of smart@#$ comments. I will miss Kevin so much. My condolences to the family on the loss.Jody.

My heartfelt condolences for your loss.

Kevin was just a joy to work with all these years. He had a great sense of humor and always put you at ease when you interacted with him. He was also a smart and gifted technician. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing. I hope his wife and family find comfort in knowing that he touched a lot of people and was well loved, including by me. May God comfort you all.

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your whole family is in my prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Donna, your family, and the TSYS family. I will miss my heart to heart conversations on security with Kevin! We always found a funky place to grab a bite to eat, drink and just have fun whenever we were at a training event or meeting.

I had the pleasure of working with Kevin over the past several years - simply put he was one of the very best. He was well respected by all that worked with and around him. He was incredibly intelligent, genuine and had an unparalleled work ethic. He would clearly articulate the impossibilities of a problem and then immediately turn around and solve them. He was an incredible teammate, dedicated to his job, supportive of his team and had a great sense of humor. When there was heavy lifting that needed to be done to deliver a solution, he was the first one to roll up his sleeves. He would put in the work to get the job done and done right every time, working long hours and weekends at times to ensure we didn't miss a customer delivery date. While I wouldn't say he was outspoken, he was not shy to share his opinion with you. I used to say, if you want to know what Kevin thinks, all you have to do is ask him. Regardless of a decision on direction, he was absolutely reliable to give his full support and ensure the job was done. He is greatly missed by all that had the pleasure to know and work with him. My heartfelt condolences to your family on your loss.

Kevin was a great guy and always fun. I am so sorry for your loss.

Kevin was truly an amazing man. He was not just part of our team, he was part of our family. He always had a positive outlook no matter what the situation and I feel truly honored that I was able to work with him and know him for the short time I did. My deepest condolences to all who hold him in their hearts.Kevin, you will be greatly missed and you will be remembered always.

I am forever grateful for the chance to meet your family over the past few years. I love y'all so much. My heart is broken, and whatever you need, please let me know.

So sorry for your loss. Kevin was a cool guy and always fun to be around.

I will miss you my friend. Over our 28 years of friendship we never agreed on everything except our Cubbies. Our world won’t be the same without you buddy! Love you brother!

A colleague and friend that I have had the privilege to be part of my life. Kevin will be missed by me and all that knew him.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.