HENDERSON COUNTY -- Kenneth Frederick (Ken) Smathers of Henderson County died on Saturday, July 9, 2016.

He was the son of O.K. and Carrie Smathers, who lived in Brevard.

Ken was born on Oct. 23, 1942, in Asheville. He grew up in Brevard and lived his adult life in Henderson County. He is a 1961 graduate of Brevard High School. He served in the U.S. Army and was graduated from Western Carolina University, with a degree in business. He was employed at Ball Glass Corp. in Arden, where he retired when the plant was closed. After retirement from Ball, he worked at Nationwide Insurance Co.

At Brevard High School, Ken played football on the team that won the state championship. When he was a boy, Ken decided to become a farmer. When he grew up, he raised beef cattle and planted a vegetable garden each year. He shared some of his locally grown, grass-fed beef with family and friends. He cultivated the garden and raised and preserved enough vegetables to last from one gardening season to the next. He loved camping with his grandchildren and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Robin Smathers; his son Rick Smathers (Toni), grandson Nicholas Smathers, grandson William Russell; stepson Eric Browning (Alecia), stepdaughter Tanya McCosker (Jimmy), grandchildren Dale, Jaden, Rafe, Jimmy and Angelina; sister Lynne Billings, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Pisgah Gardens Cemetery, Pisgah Forest, N.C., at 11am, Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.