KELLY LEE SMITH Obituary (1961 - 2024)

March 26, 1961 – August 31, 2024 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly Lee Smith, a loving husband, father, brother and friend, who left us on August 31, 2024, at the age of 63 after a short illness. Kelly was born on March 26, 1961, in Lebanon, Oregon to Suzette F. Smith and Louis D. Smith. In the early 1960s, Kelly and his family moved to France with the U.S. Air Force. Over the years, the family lived in Spokane, Washington and Rapid City, South Dakota before eventually settling in Sparks, Nevada in 1977. Kelly attended Reed High School. His love for motorsports and cars began even before he was old enough to start driving. From a young age, he owned numerous vehicles, including Volkswagen Bugs, Toyota trucks, and Chevy Camaros - so many that he likely lost count. He also enjoyed jet skiing, off-roading, camping and practicing taekwondo. Kelly’s greatest joy was his family, though it took him a while to find the right one. At 36 years old, he married his beloved wife, Bonnie, on September 6, 1997, and together they shared a lifetime of love and companionship. Exactly two years later, they welcomed their first-born son, Austin. Almost three years later, their second son, Beau, was born and completed their little family. He always said that he and Bonnie “made a great team”. Kelly was a proud and devoted father to Austin and Beau. His unending support, love and guidance shaped the lives of his children, who will carry his memory with them always. One of his greatest passions was teaching his sons about his favorite hobbies, especially his love for cars. Whether working together on vehicles or teaching them what he knew, Kelly cherished those moments with his boys, passing on his skills and love for the things that brought him joy. Kelly was an extremely hard worker and a devoted provider, ensuring that Bonnie could stay home to raise Austin and Beau. He took great pride in caring for his family, making sure they always had what they needed. Kelly touched the lives of all who knew him. His sense of humor, laughter and generosity will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. He gained the respect and admiration of many, especially in his career in HVAC. He was not only a skilled professional, but also an educator to his customers, always willing to explain and share his knowledge. He formed strong relationships with his coworkers and was known for his work ethic, dedication and camaraderie he brought to the workplace. Kelly was always willing to lend a hand to his family, neighbors and friends. Whether it was helping with a project or offering advice, his kindness and thoughtfulness touched many lives. He will be truly missed in our neighborhood. Kelly is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie (Schwake) Smith and his sons, Austin Frederick Smith and Beau Kelly Smith, all of Reno, Nevada. He is also survived by his three sisters, Carol (Victor) Ducheneaux of Mobridge, South Dakota, Suzie (Alan) Darney of Sparks, Nevada, Debra (Edwardo) Morales of Sparks, Nevada and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving Kelly are his in-laws, Fred and Patty Schwake of Smith Valley, Nevada and Patricia Schwake of Carson City, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis D. Smith in 1984, his mother, Suzette (Kellogg) Smith in 2007 and his brother, Mark Stout in 2017. A celebration of Kelly’s life will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 11am at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center at Bartley Ranch Regional Park in Reno, Nevada.