ROCKLAND — Kenneth E. "Smitty" Smith, 86, died April 5, 2013, at Pen Bay Medical Center, Rockport, after an extended illness.

Born in Rockland Sept. 4, 1926, he was one of seven children of William H. and Susie Kyzer Smith. He attended local schools, and later in life, earned his diploma Jan. 24, 1961,from the American School in Chicago, Ill.

In January 1945 he entered the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged in August 1946.

Dec. 24, 1946, he married Lucy McLaughlin at her family's home in Rockland. Settling in Rockland, the couple raised their family here. Mrs. Smith died July 17, 2006.

In his earlier years, Smitty worked for Rockland Rockport Lime Company as manager of R&R engineering. When that company closed, he opened Smitty's Welding Works in Rockland, which he operated for more than 35 years. Following his retirement at age 62, Smitty went to work as a maintenance man with McDonald's, where he proudly worked for over 18 years.

A long-time member of Rockland Lodge of Masons, he also was a member of all Masonic bodies and the Goldenrod Chapter O.E.S.

Besides his wife Lucy, Smitty is predeceased by his daughter, Brenda Pitt, Aug. 10, 2000; and his son, William A. Smith, March 10, 2004. He is survived by his grandchildren, William Smith and his wife, Heather, of Rockport, Michael Smith and his wife, Rhonda, of Cushing, Jeanie Pitt of Cottonwood, Ariz., and Kimberly Smith of Owls Head; two brothers, Lawrence "Lonny" Smith of Swans Island and Neal Smith of Rockland; and one sister, Pearl Vanorse and her husband, Bert, of Rockland; as well as several great-grandchildren; great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to join together in a service honoring Smitty's life Monday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. Interment will follow in Rockville Cemetery on Route 17 in Rockport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a story or memory with Smitty's family, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.