Kay Ford Smith, age 76 of Clarksville, TN, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 19, 2012 at Gateway Medical Center.
A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 1 p.m., at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Chapel, with Brother Randy Stone and Brother James Shephard officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. and Wednesday, November 21, 2012 from 11 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers.
Kay was born on April 26, 1936 in Greenville, MS, the daughter of the late Hugh Meredith Ford, Sr. and Virginia Campbell Ford. Mr. Ford owned the former Tennessee Hotel in Clarksville.
A student of art and design, Kay had lived in Germany for a number of years prior to her marriage to Donald, where she traveled extensively in Europe to hone her knowledge and trade craft of interior design. One of the key locations for study was Italy, which ultimately influenced her design hand in color, style, richness and expertise. Vacations in Europe also provided liberal travel experience for further design depth which she willingly shared with friends, families, and peers. This outgoing and life-loving woman brought joy to others throughout her sphere of influence and education. In addition, travel and study was not limited to exclusively Europe, where for a time she taught English to students in Tague, South Korea.
Kay was married to Donald Earl Smith for 33 years, having married on April 30, 1979 in Copenhagen, Denmark. As a result of marriage to a military officer, the couple relocated to the United States from Heidelberg. Stationed in a number of locations in the U.S., she decorated private homes from the east to west coast with sophistication, aplomb, and flair. Her final sphere of design influence centered in Middle Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by Hugh Meredith Ford, Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Earl Smith; five children, Kyler Elaine Miles of Virginia Beach, VA, Brett Mallory Miles of Santa Monica, CA, Bruce Gordon Miles of Clarksville, TN, Brian Russell Miles of Traverse City, MI and G. Courtney Clair Faighes of Nashville, TN; brother, Gale Campbell Ford of Gainsville, FL; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.