Arvid "A.K." Smith

Arvid Kent “A.K.” Smith, 80, of Abilene, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. A.K. will be interred at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene with military honors on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

A.K. was born on July 15, 1944, in Chehalis, Washington to Anna Belle and John Joseph Smith. Following his graduation from high school, A.K. joined the Air Force and spent 21 years working in supply and logistics, supporting Air Force operations. Following his retirement in 1985 at Dyess Air Force Base, A.K. went on to work for Boeing as a logistics specialist enabling the B-1B missions worldwide. He was proud of his service to both the military and to Boeing. His family considered him to be a great Dad, an avid dog lover, boater, camper and fisherman.

A.K. was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Belle and John Smith, and his stepfather Emerson “Emmy” Fish. He is survived by his wife Lydia Smith of Abilene; son John Smith (Colonel, USAF, Ret.) and wife Vivian and daughter Jordyn of McKinney, Texas; daughters Stacy Bramlet and husband Chad of Tuscola, Tracy Dye and husband Cliff of Abilene and Shelly Edwards and boyfriend Joe Mitchell of Abilene; 2 brothers, niece Janice Smith, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Additionally, the Smith family would like to thank Hendrick Hospice for their unwavering compassion and care.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.