Kenneth Ray

Smith

Kenneth Ray Smith, age 87, formerly of Quincy, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026, in Carbondale, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.

Kenny was born on November 5, 1939, in Quincy, Illinois, a son of Virgil and Edna (Eichorn) Smith. He was a proud, lifelong resident of Quincy until 2023, when he relocated to southern Illinois to be closer to his daughters.

Following high school graduation, Kenny answered the call of duty by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1956, serving his country with honor until his discharge in 1962. He channeled his strong work ethic into 43 years of dedicated service as a machinist at Gardner Denver. Kenny was much more than a dedicated employee; he was a passionate, steadfast champion for working people. As an active and devoted member of the Machinists Lodge 822, his commitment to organized labor was a guiding force throughout his life. He was a proud, lifelong Democrat who firmly believed in standing up and fighting for the working class. Even in retirement, Kenny stayed deeply connected to his fellow union siblings as a regular fixture at the Gardner Denver Retiree Breakfast Club.

Kenny possessed a natural talent for tinkering and could fix just about anything. Friends and family often brought him treasures in need of repair, knowing he would find a way to get them working again. His appreciation for machinery extended to his personal passions. He was an avid classic car enthusiast who took immense pride in showcasing his beloved 1949 Rocket 88 Oldsmobile at local car shows. Kenny also enjoyed the freedom and adventure of riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle for pleasure and on various poker runs throughout the Quincy area.

With his longtime companion, Rosie Reichert, by his side, Kenny enjoyed traveling the United States, exploring historic landmarks and interesting sights along the way. One memorable destination was Fallingwater, the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece in Pennsylvania. When not traveling, Kenny was also content enjoying the simple pleasures of country music, classic western television shows, and movies.

To those who knew him, Kenny was entirely one of a kind. He will be deeply missed for his independent spirit, his dry, wicked sense of humor, his mischievous smile, and his appreciation of a good joke. He had an effortless way of entertaining others and often brought laughter into the lives of those around him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unforgettable memories. His spirit lives on in his two daughters, Annette (David) Jaynes, and Kim (Mark) Doellman, both of Murphysboro, Illinois; his three adored grandchildren, Ryan (Sabrina) Doellman of Murphysboro, Illinois, Paige Jaynes of Peoria, Illinois, and Allison Jaynes of Springfield, Illinois; his sister, Barb Otten of Quincy; and several nieces and nephews.

Kenny was reunited in peace with those who went before him: his parents; his longtime companion, Rosie Reichert; his sister, Virginia Wagy; and his brother, Wayne Smith.

Visitation: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home in Quincy.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Burial: Quincy Memorial Park, Quincy, Illinois

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, St. Jude’s, or the American Heart Association. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/

Arrangements were entrusted to Southern Cremation & Burial Services, Murphysboro, Illinois and Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, Quincy, Illinois.