Kelvin Seth Smith

Kelvin Seth Smith, age 58, entered into eternal rest surrounded by the love and memories of those whose lives he touched so deeply. Born June 6, 1967, in Hampton, South Carolina, Kelvin lived a life marked by loyalty, dedication, friendship, and an unwavering love for family, sports, and the many students and colleagues blessed to know him.

Kelvin was preceded in death by his beautiful, devoted, and loving wife, Angela Bilbrey-Smith of Jonesborough, TN; his beloved parents, Douglas MacArthur Smith and Marlene Thames Smith; his grandparents, James Vernon Thames, Sr. and Ivey Deloach Thames, and Henry D. Smith and Catherine Robinson Smith; his brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Kathy Smith; his sister, Katie Smith Carr, all of Hampton, South Carolina, and his dearly beloved dachshund, Chrissy of Elgin, South Carolina.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved son, Curtis Seth DuBose, of Florence, South Carolina, (fiancé, Miranda Rose and children, Kaylee and Randy) of Marion, South Carolina; his father-in-law, Darrell Bilbrey of Jonesborough, Tennessee; his uncle, Ray (Donna) Thames of Hampton, South Carolina; his niece, Victoria (Ethan) Speicher of Tucson, Arizona; nephews, Michael Breland of Walterboro, South Carolina, and his lifelong best friends, Wes Warren of Columbia, South Carolina and Kenny Corbin of Hampton, South Carolina; and countless extended family members, dear friends, students, players, and the many lives he impacted throughout the years.

Kelvin was a proud graduate of Wade Hampton High School, Class of 1985, and later attended Charleston Southern University, formerly Baptist College at Charleston, from 1985 until 1990.

A true sports enthusiast, Kelvin loved athletics of every kind, but golf held a special place in his heart. He greatly admired legendary golfer Curtis Strange, and Augusta National Golf Club remained his favorite course and one of his greatest passions. His love for golf extended far beyond the game itself and into the lives of the young athletes he coached and mentored.

Known affectionately to many as “Coach Kelvin,” he faithfully served as the girls’ golf coach at Cardinal Newman School in Columbia, South Carolina. Under his leadership, dedication, and encouragement, the team achieved tremendous success, bringing home five state championships for the school. More importantly, he built lasting relationships with his players, whom he lovingly referred to as his “girls.” Kelvin was deeply loved and respected throughout the Cardinal Newman community, where his kindness, humor, and unwavering support left a lasting impression on students, faculty, and friends alike.

Kelvin was also a devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan. Those who knew him best could often recognize him simply by hearing him whistle the Georgia alma mater while walking through the halls or around campus — a simple joy that became one of his most memorable trademarks.

Kelvin will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyalty to those he loved, his passion for sports, and the countless lives he influenced through friendship, mentorship, and compassion. Though his absence leaves a tremendous void, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The service to celebrate Kelvin’s life will be held at 1 o’clock Saturday, May 30th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service beginning at 12 o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to assist with funeral expenses through:
Shives Funeral Home
Account of Mr. Kelvin Smith
7600 Trenholm Road Ext.
Columbia, SC 29223

Your thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness are deeply appreciated during this difficult time.

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.”

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.