Kelly R. Smith, 52, of Greenville, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2016 at Legend Healthcare of Greenville. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 25, 2016 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joyce Pattison and Rev. Dwayne Pattison officiating. Burial will be in Memoryland Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday, March 24, 2016 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Kelly was born on April 24, 1963 in Greenville, Texas to Oneta and William D. Smith. Kelly was born mentally challenged with Down syndrome. He attended The Hunt County Opportunity Center at a very young age. His mother, Oneta, was very active in his attendance at the center and volunteered working with the center as her dedication of her life to the special gift Kelly was to her from God.
He graduated from special needs class at the Greenville High School. He also attended the MHMR Day Class in Greenville. Kelly enjoyed being there with his many friends. Kelly would go in each morning smiling and saying “My Friends, My Friends!”
He taught his family so much with his big smile, deep laughs and tender heart.
Kelly loved watching movies of “I Love Lucy”, going to church and singing. Even though Kelly was unable to read, he always carried his Bible to church. He had pages upon pages highlighted and underlined. He was truly one of God’s Children.
He was a member most of his life at Highland Terrace Baptist Church. His mother helped develop the “Special Friends Class” that turned into a huge success for these young men and women.
He also attended First Pentecostal Church of God.
Kelly is survived by two sisters, Wanda Williams and husband, Jimmie and Diana Harris and husband, Lynn, uncles, Jason and Erick, aunts, Desha and Kassi, his sister’s grandchildren were a blessing in his life, Sydni, Paden, Emma, Cambralyn, Cobryn, Lainey and Charlee.
He is preceded in death by his father, William D. Smith, mother, Oneta Smith, sister, Nancy Zoller and grandparents, Pink and Nancy Duvall Jones.
Pallbearers are Erick Harris, Cobryn Harris, Lynn Harris, Randy Hines, Blake Mays, Jimmie Williams and Jason Williams.