Kerry “Kotton” Smith went home to be with his lord and savior Jesus Christ on June 10, 2023 in Early.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, June 14, at Heartland Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Kerry will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 15 in the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Kerry was born in Brownwood, Texas on January 21, 1959 to Gayland Lee and Carmoleta Smith. He was a lifelong resident of Early. Kerry graduated from Early High School in 1977. He worked for Santa Fe Railroad and the City of Brownwood for many years. Kerry was a Dad, PeePaw, Son, Brother and Friend to many. He was known as a mentor to some and was eager to pass his knowledge down to others. Kerry was a man of many talents. If it were mechanical, electrical, plumbing or building, he could do just about anything he put his mind to. You could usually find Kerry tinkering in his shop if he was not at Abilene Speedway for a dirt track race or on the water somewhere for a boat race. Kerry owned several race cars throughout the years which he would build himself. It is a fact that Kerry could build a motor for a racecar in a couple of hours with his eyes closed. It just came natural to him. Kerry enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved to take his grandson Blake for rides on his tractor and surprising his granddaughter Macie with crab legs for dinner. He enjoyed having breakfast with his dad at the Red Wagon. He never missed a chance to reminisce with old friends about the past. He enjoyed being around people and having a good time and was always willing to jump in and help anyone out.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Paula Smith; son, Jim Florey and wife Liz of Spring; daughters, Meghan Coffee and husband Dakota of Brownwood, and Tessa Pfeil of Clifton, his parents, Gayland and Carmoleta Smith of Early; grandkids, Malia and Ella, Macie, Braxton, Carli, Blake, Paxton of Dallas; and his sisters, Kathryn Lewis and husband Dwayne of Zephyr and Kristi Hoffman and husband Mark of Henderson, NV.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Jewel Smith; maternal grandparents, Ed and Mae Sheffield; his favorite uncles, Butch Sheffield, Kenneth and Inge Sheffield; and aunt Lavon Bean. Kerry was truly loved and will be greatly missed by many.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net