Obituary of Kelly James Smith

CRANBERRY LAKE, NY-- Kelly James Smith, 63, of Cranberry Lake died in the early hours of April 4th after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Kelly was born October 5, 1952 to Fred and Marie ‘Sis’ McKenney Smith of Cranberry Lake. He attended Cranberry Lake and Clifton-Fine Central Schools. In the spring of 1970, Kelly enlisted in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged that same year. On October 20, 1973, Kelly wed Theresa ‘Terri’ Lashomb at St. Hubert’s Church in Star Lake. Through their 42 years of marriage, they resided on Lone Pine Road in Cranberry Lake. Kelly made family a priority. He loved his close relationship with his Grandfather, Pat and father, Fred. He and his wife were almost inseparable, enjoying travel, music, nature and raising a family. Whether attending his children’s sporting events, school functions, driving them to appointments, helping them build their homes, supporting their musical ambitions or starting their businesses, Kelly immersed himself in their lives. As Papa, Kelly felt fortunate to live near his eight grandchildren and be able to expand his involvement with his family. An avid hunter, fisherman and woodsman, Kelly spent much of his time outdoors. Whether fishing the many small trout ponds in the back woods of Cranberry Lake, sitting in his peaceful tree stand on Devenaugh Hill or exploring the Rockies in Montana, Kelly loved the woods. He filled his life with numerous activities including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, water-skiing, boating and a passion for local history. Kelly’s dedication to serving his community began with his employment at the Town of Clifton Highway Department in 1971. In 1976 he was elected Town Highway Superintendent, a position he held for 30 years. His many early morning road checks and late nights spent at the town barn and on the roads testify to his dedication. Kelly retired from the Town of Clifton Highway Department in 2008. Kelly’s service to community extended beyond his employment. He took great pride in his role as sexton for the Cranberry Lake Cemetery Association, a position both his father and grandfather held before him. Kelly was also a volunteer fireman for the Cranberry Lake Fire and Rescue Department and had served in the Lion’s Club. Kelly is survived by his wife, Terri, of Cranberry Lake. His four children, Kelly II and his wife Terri Lynn of Cranberry Lake, Bill and his companion Sara of Cranberry Lake, Jessica Thorn and her husband Tom of Big Sky, Montana and Tamara Combs and her husband, Caleb of Tupper Lake. Also surviving are his eight grandchildren, Lindsey, Jayden, Kailyn, Monica, Dylan, Odelia, Ella and Kelly III and great grandson, Mason. Brothers, Danny of Hardy, Arkansas, Andy of Cranberry Lake and sister, Dolly of Watertown. He is predeceased by his parents. Donations may be made in his memory to the Cranberry Lake Cemetery Association, the Cranberry Lake Fire & Rescue Department or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. Family and friends may call at the Hawley Funeral Home in Star Lake on Friday, April 8th from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Memorial Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 9th at 2 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Cranberry Lake Fire Hall. Memories and condolence may be shared with the family at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Colton is serving the family of Kelly James Smith.