WALTERBORO: Mr. Kenneth E. Smoak, husband of the late Claire Chassereau Smoak, passed away peacefully Monday evening, August 14, 2023 after a period of declining health. He was 82. Kenneth was born in Ritter October 25, 1940 a son of the late Horace and Pearl O’Quinn Smoak. He was a graduate of Hendersonville High School, and spent his career in the gas and automotive repair business. He was a well-know fixture in the Walterboro community as the owner and operator of Smoak’s Gulf Station, which later transitioned into Smoak’s BP, and finally became Smoak’s Tire. His business had a reputation for fair and honest work at a reasonable price, and his location served as a popular hang-out. Kenneth possessed an outgoing personality and was known for his smile and his quit wit. He helped many people over the years…not only members of the local community but countless individuals passing through town. He was a member of Doctor’s Creek Baptist Church, and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter Sonja Smoak Bowles (Mike) of Walterboro, and by five grandchildren: Trevor, Gracie, and Sam Bowles, and Riley and Ellison Smoak. He leaves behind his great-granddaughter Josie Kaye Wegmann-Bowles, and his brothers and sisters: Ralph Alex Smoak (Sandy), John Alton Smoak (Susan), Mary Jane Porter, Ruby Pearl Minter (Mike), and Janet Hilda Smoak. He is survived by his special friend Richard Massey, and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family that loved him dearly. In addition to his beloved wife, who passed away this past March, he is preceded in death by his son, Daryl Smoak, by his grandson Cooper Smoak, by his brothers William and Wendell Smoak, and by his sister Miriam L. Rogers. Funeral services will be held Friday morning, August 18, 2023 at 10:00 in the chapel of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation Thursday evening from 5:30 until 7:30 PM at the funeral home.
