Samuel Smith

Samuel Payne Smith was born on February 14, 1938 in Grenada, Mississippi to the late Charlie William and Sabra Esther (Brown) Smith.  He attended Wadell Elementary School completing the 8th grade. In late 1950’s the family moved to Hayti, Missouri before settling in Kansas City, Missouri.

As a boy, he loved being at his Mother’s side and learning his way around the kitchen. As a young man, he worked various jobs including at an area carwash and various GMC, Buick, Chevrolet and Ford Dealerships.

His love for the auto industry led him to developed a passion for working in the car parts departments at several major car dealerships in the city. He received the distinction of completing the Bell + Howell Electronic Technical Retrieval Systems Certification and received numerous Parts Manager awards.   He retired from Royal Chevrolet in Harrisonville, Missouri after twenty (20) years of service in 2008.

On October 8, 1971, he married his sweetheart, Janice Ruth Klyce. There were no children born to this union. However, he was Dad to Kenny.

Sam joined Haven of Rest Baptist Church on December 27, 1986 and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend Nathaniel Nelson and continued serving under the leadership of Reverend Monscenior Cunningham. He served faithfully and took pride as an Usher, and Culinary Team member and was always willing to serve where needed. He was an honorary member of the Male Chorus.  His favorite gospel song was, “Living Testimony” by the Williams Brothers.

Uncle Sam or SP as he is affectionately known loved cooking his famous buffalo fish and fried potatoes and barbecuing on the grill.  He was a master gardener until he was unable to till the soil at the Community Garden. He loved spending time with family and friends and was often “the life of the gathering”.

Samuel Payne Smith, 82 of Lenexa, Kansas passed peacefully January 15, 2021 at Research Medical Center. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Janice R. Smith, son Kenny Klyce; Brothers, Anderson C. Smith and Jimmy V. “Tubs” Smith; Sisters, Alva B. Lewis, Juanita Dixon, Delorise Smith and Linda Faye Smith Innis.

Sam is survived by God Daughters, Kalia McKinley, Lauren Patton and Logan Patton of Kansas City, MO; Sisters Yvonne Ross (Cleo) and Billie Jean Shaw of Kansas City, MO. Brothers in – Love, Thomas Klyce (Rosetta) of Chicago, IL; and Thomas Collins (Littie) of Memphis, TN; Sisters in – Love, Stella Hall (Jesse) of Portageville, MO; Paulette Wilder and Cathy Fay Love (David) of Memphis, TN and Gayle Collins of Tulsa, OK. Special Brother, Marshall Butler (Hildred); He leaves his village: Fred and LaTanya Patton, Reverend Kevin and Diana Smith, Jennifer Ross, and Karen Sims, all of Kansas City along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends and Church family.