Kenneth E. "Sonny" Smith Jr.

Kenneth E. "Sonny" Smith Jr., 83, of Carlisle and formerly of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at his home.

He was born January 4, 1940, in Harrisburg to the late Kenneth E. Sr. and Anna Ruth (Fetterhoff) Smith.

Sonny was a 1957 graduate of Perry Joint High School. He enjoyed a long career as an optician including nearly 25 years with Premier Eye Care Group in Harrisburg. Ken was a small but mighty man who had a big heart and an adventurous mind. Some of his more meaningful adventures were marching in JFKs inauguration parade, hot air ballooning, sky diving, white water rafting, and traveling domestically and abroad. Sonny was a gun enthusiast who enjoyed shooting and collecting guns. He was a member of Community Christian Fellowship Church, American Legion Post #26 in Dillsburg, and Fraternal order of Eagles Aerie #1299 in Carlisle. Ken honorably served his country in the US Army.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Judy E. Smith of Carlisle; five children, Tracy M. Stout of Dillsburg, Jeremy T. Smith (fiancée Samantha) of Carlisle, Kent E. (wife Barb) Smith of Dillsburg, W. James (wife Tara) Keim of Georgia, and Ronny Stein of Berlin, Germany; seven grandchildren, Morgan, Mason, Sydney, Sarah (significant other Jonathon), Ashley (significant other Kyle), Vaeda, and Landon; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Virgina Mullen of Greencastle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Robert A. Stout.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Community Christian Fellowship Church, 360 York Road Carlisle, PA 17013 with Pastor Glen Osborn and Chuck Comp co-officiating. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sonny's name to his church or to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way #270 Harrisburg, PA 17110.

To sign the guestbook, please visit www.hoffmanfh.com .