SMITHLAND — After a prolonged illness, Michael “Mickey” Kindred, 66, of Smithland, Ky., departed this earth bound for paradise on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at 1:52 a.m. at Vanderbilt University Hospital Palliative Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Mickey was a graduate of Heath High School and Paducah Community College. Soon after he married his wife, Shari, he joined the U.S. Army where he served as a communication specialist stationed at Ft. Gordon, Ga., Fort Hood, Texas, and Seoul, Korea.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Mickey was hired by South Central Bell where he was employed until his retirement in 1999.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening with his grandchildren.

Mickey was a member of the Potter’s House Baptist Worship Center, where he served as a deacon.

He was a devoted Christian and a loving example to his family, church and many friends.

Born on September 14, 1946, in Paducah, he was the oldest son of Alfred L. and Mary Lou Burt Kindred.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 46 years, Shari Walker Kindred; three daughters who adored him, Shelley Gray and husband Scott, Missy Lowrance and husband Brian, and Jodi Watkins and husband Charles, all of Smithland; eight grandchildren who considered their “Pa” their hero, Haley and Madison Gray, Breanna, Hannah and Rebecca Lowrance, and Joshua and wife Sarah, Micah and Samuel Watkins.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melanie Anne; his father, Alfred, and brother David Patrick.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2012, at the Potter’s House Baptist Worship Center in Smithland, Ky., with Bro. Fred Lowrance officiating.

Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery.

Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The Potter’s House Baptist Worship Center, 881 Cutoff Road, Smithland, KY 42081.