Kenneth "Fletcher" Austin Smith Jr.
January 13, 2003 ~ February 6, 2026
Born in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Resided in:
Horse Shoe, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailKenneth “Fletcher” Austin Smith, Jr., 23, the most precious gift ever given to his parents from God went to find his peace with his heavenly Father on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Ken was born in Asheville, NC to Kenneth “Ken” Austin Smith, Sr. and Karen Annette Honeycutt Smith.
Ken better known as “Fletcher” to the Etowah Horse Shoe Fire Department accomplished so much in his short 23 years on this earth. He was a kind, compassionate, and loving young man who lived a life of service. He graduated West Henderson High School May 28, 2021 where he was a member of the West Henderson JROTC. He also was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 622, earned his Eagle Scout on September 14, 2018 and then joined the Etowah Horse Shoe Fire Department on November 5, 2018.
Ken was a member of Etowah Baptist Church and before becoming a fire fighter he had worked with the N.C. Forest Service working as a smoke chaser.
He is survived by his parents, Ken and Karen Smith of Horse Shoe; his Mamaw, Janice Honeycutt of Candler; aunt, Krystal Raines of Leicester; aunt and uncle, Kenneth and Beckie Davis of Mills River; cousins, Amanda Workman of Kannapolis and Austin Davis (Kailey) of Charlotte, NC.
He was preceded in death by his Nana, Barbara W. Raines of Horse Shoe, Grandparents, Kenneth C. Smith, Jr. and Jean A. Smith of Mills River and Papaw, Donald R. Honeycutt of Candler.
A funeral service with Fire Fighter honors is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Etowah Baptist Church with Dr. Brian Henderson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.
Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Garden of Memory with graveside honors conducted by the Etowah Horse Shoe Fire Department, the NC Forest Service and the Henderson County Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Lee Michale Strange, Tyler Adams, Montanna McVay, Drake Elkins, Gavin Gash and Nick Bailey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Etowah Horse Shoe Fire Department.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Etowah Horse Shoe Fire Department; 15 Morgan Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.
Services
The Family Will Greet Friends: February 21, 2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Etowah Baptist Church
6508 Brevard Road
Etowah, NC 28729
(828)891-7153
Funeral Service: February 21, 2026 2:00 pm
Etowah Baptist Church
6508 Brevard Road
Etowah, NC 28729
(828)891-7153
Burial:
Blue Ridge Gardens Of Memory
994 New Hendersonville Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
(828)877-3298
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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With deepest condolences,
Phillip & Joyce D. Evans
Words are not enough to express my sorrow for your loss. Kenneth was so blessed to have you as his parents. You are in my prayers. Love and hugs to you both.
Dear Ken and Karen, I am so sorry to read about your precious son. He accomplished so much in his 23 years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of his family and friends. Kenneth and Beckie, I’m so sorry. Janice, I know you’re very sad and Russell would’ve been heartbroken too as all of you are. May God bring comfort to your hearts.
Christy Buckner
When I first met your son in June last summer, he always made me feel welcome in the group, he had such a kind soul and a beautiful smile. His smile and laugh are something I will never forget. One of the most amazing things about Ken was his compassion for others, he always did everything he could to make sure his friends were taken care of. I have been praying for you both and your family, I pray that you both find peace regardless of all of the sorrow that you are enduring. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, Ken will never be forgotten, he will hold a special place in all of our hearts until we get to see him again.