Kenneth "Ken" C. Smith, Jr.

Kenneth “Ken” C. Smith, Jr., passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Mary Lucille Smith and Kenneth C. Smith, Sr. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Kathy and Kristine.

Ken was married to Nancy McLendon-Smith for 43 years. They built a life devoted to each other, filled with trips up and down the East Coast, casinos, but most of all spending time with family, especially their grandchildren.

He was a proud and devoted dad to his daughter, Mary Beth (Smith) Diaz, and a loving father-in-law to JD Diaz. Being “Pop” to Landon and Gabrielle was one of the greatest joys of his life—he was their biggest fan and rarely missed one of their sporting events.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law who will miss him dearly. Ken shared a lifelong friendship of 55 years with his best friend, Mike Evans, and his wife, Belinda—more like family than friends.

Ken retired from Ascension St. Agnes and Medstar Franklin Square, where he made countless friends. Ken could and would talk to everyone and was appreciated by many.

If you knew Ken, you knew he loved sports. From his days playing football, baseball, basketball, and wrestling at Lansdowne Senior High School, to talking about any game with anyone he met, sports were a big part of who he was. He passed that love on to his daughter, coaching every sport she played and spending 22 years duckpin bowling together.

Ken will be remembered for his steady presence, his love of sports, and the way he showed up for his family. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Association)

A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, May 9th from 5pm - 7pm at Ambrose Funeral Home, 1328 Sulphur Spring Road, Halethorpe MD 21227.