Kenneth Neff

SHELBY: Kenneth “Ken” Edwin Neff joined his Lord and Savior in Heaven on January 17th, 2025. Born January 18th, 1956, he arrived in Heaven just one day shy of his 69th birthday. Known for his mischievous sense of humor, his loved ones hoped he left laughing with this last bittersweet prank.

Ken did not merely live on this Earth; he grew from it like the mightiest redwood tree reaching ever taller to meet his maker above. His roots wound hard and deep into the Earth and into the lives of everyone touched by the massive shadow he would cast. Ken lived his life large and steady, weathering every storm and welcoming every sunrise until the Lord allowed the impossibly strong giant to fall.

Ken, known to all as “Smurf,” will be lovingly remembered for a laugh so deep it echoed from his soul. For the intensity of his spirit, which was fierce and stubborn; a presence larger than life that could be felt when he entered a room and will forever be felt as a void in its absence. Ken was complex to know and easy to love.

He will be remember for his Harleys, for creating countless pieces of art from the wood he whittled, for all the dogs that he so well loved. For his barbeque skills and love of good food, for his unfiltered jokes and colorful opinions. For his unwavering generosity and desire to help anyone in need. For his stoic introspection and honesty.

He will be cared for by Clay-Barnette Funeral Home. In lieu of cards and flower, Ken would have appreciated donations to local animal shelters. www.claybarnette.com