Captain Carey Kyle Smith "Capt. Ky", 56, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023.

Ky was born in Alabama on March 22, 1966 and spent much of his life near or on water. He loved to fish, surf, scuba dive, and operate boats. In 2006, Captain Ky earned his 100 Ton Master Captain license. He would spend the next several years in South Florida operating and managing boats for clients. Captain Ky worked with both the Coast Guard and the Secret Service providing safe transport for celebrities and dignitaries.

In addition to loving the sea, Ky also loved training horses and giving riding lessons. A certified horseman, Ky helped to start Camp Jared in Columbiana, AL where kids with special needs could learn to ride and care for horses.

"Help the ones you can" was more than just an expression for Ky. It was his daily practice to help others. His help might be giving food to a homeless person, a kind word to a store employee, or it might be helping friends solve a problem with a boat or a home improvement project.

Ky's infectious smile and heartfelt hugs uplifted others throughout his lifetime. Once you knew him as a friend, you would never be the same.

Ky is survived by his father, Richard Smith; his sister, Amanda Traywick; nephews, John Michael, David, and Jacob Traywick; as well as his loving partner, Gretchen Carter.

Captain Ky will be returned to the sea in a private ceremony on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Navarre Beach, FL.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Hickey House, 130 Taylor Rd., Helen, GA 30545 or treatment facilities of your choice to help those battling substance and alcohol addiction.