Kolby Alan Smith

Kolby Alan Smith, 16, of Kannapolis, unexpectedly passed away Friday morning, April 21, 2023, from injuries sustained from a train accident.

Born March 3, 2007, in Concord, Kolby was the oldest son of Eddie Ray Smith, Jr. and the late Kristen Schmitz Smith. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Eden Nicholas Smith, and a grandfather, Denny Schmitz.

Kolby was a 10th grader at AL Brown High. He loved skateboarding, was fearless and enjoyed hanging out with his friends. Always smiling, he was kind, respectful and had a positive outlook on life. Gone too soon, Kolby will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.

Family members who will forever remember Kolby include his father, Eddie Ray Smith, Jr.; his brothers, Kameron and Elias Smith; grandparents, Jana Benson (David), Eddie Ray Smith, Sr (Lorie) and Nancy Baker; great-grandmothers, Elizabeth Baker and Katherine Laselle Miller; his uncle, Nicholas Smith (Cindy); aunt, Jamie Crump (Cody) and his cousin, Jace Crump.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, April 25th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Whitley’s Funeral Home.  Funeral services to remember and give thanks for Kolby’s life will begin at 11:00 am Wednesday in the funeral home chapel, conducted by Reverend Ron Hartman.

A private burial will take place at a later date.