SEARSMONT — Kenneth Earl Smith, 80, of Searsmont, passed away on May 29, 2016, at the Sussman House in Rockport after a period of declining health. He was born July 11, 1935, in Northport, to Arthur and Edith (Fairbrother) Smith.

Kenneth was always a career-driven man dedicated to hard work, always needing a project. He started his working life as a boat builder working in various yards along the coast, including Fuller Shipyard in Boothbay and Owls Head as well as Hopeman Brothers, a subcontractor of Bath Iron Works. He moved on to house painting for Jack Schumaker and also on his own for a brief period time. He then began working for himself with a well-established business constructing countless single-family FHA homes throughout the Midcoast area and after many years joined with Oliver Builders to build on many of the MBNA projects. There he acquired the nickname "Grumpy."

After so many years of hard, honest and dedicated work, Kenneth retired to enjoy the simple things in life like Hollywood Slots, Las Vegas, Foxwoods and to enjoy some traveling. After a few years of retirement, boredom got the best of him, and in his 70s he took a position at Walmart in Rockland as an overnight shelf stocker.

Kenneth was predeceased by his father and mother; and his brothers, Richard and Frank Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Frances Smith; two daughters, Edith Peters and her husband, Wayne, of Waldoboro, and Pamela Smith of Searsmont; his sisters, Evelyn Deardorff of Bristol and Cynthia Sykes of Damariscotta; and his brother, Seaward Smith of Bristol; two grandsons, Ryan Hall and his wife, Lacy, of Northport, and Tyler Hall and his wife, Susan, also of Northport; the delights of his life, two great-granddaughters, Sydney and Ava Hall; and his special pets, Daisy, Sandy and Shadow; as well as many nieces and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.