Kevin Ray Smiley

Kevin Ray Smiley 4/19/59 – 7/15/22 Kevin’s journey on this earth came to a close in Gillette, WY with his siblings, children, grandchildren and mother by his side. Kevin was born in Pierre, SD, the 4th of 5 children, to Bill and Marie Smiley. He attended grade school in Fort Pierre, SD, and after moving with his family to Sheridan he attended junior high school at Holy Name, then Sheridan High School, graduating in 1977. Kevin planned to continue his basketball career after graduation, but unfortunately he lost his eye in a firework accident. After high school Kevin married Kristina Ballek. Together, they raised three children – Nicholas, Nichole and Shelby. During his time in Sheridan, Kevin worked as a skilled carpenter, eventually co-owning and operating Blacktooth Construction. When he wasn’t working, you could find him teaching his kids his love for basketball at the YMCA. After spending some time living in Montana, South Dakota and Texas, he moved to Gillette where he continued working in construction. Kevin was a proud Lakota Sioux, which was evident in his love of nature, all living things, camping and hunting. He loved building sweat lodges, and hosting sweat ceremonies. He was happiest with the earth under his feet, and loved collecting holy rocks everywhere he went. Kevin will be remembered as always finding the beauty in everything, seeing the good in every person, and touching many lives. Kevin loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He was also quite the jokester and prankster. He always had the last puzzle piece hidden in his pocket, and he loved masking up and scaring his friends and neighbors. There have been stories that he liked to throw his glass eye on the table during a game of poker. His sense of humor would always put a smile on your face. His creativity knew no bounds. His beadwork on medicine bags, purses, moccasins and belts was second to none. He loved to make special keepsakes for all of his friends and family. A most caring man. Kevin is preceded in death by his father Bill, nephew Jarid, and grandson Will. He leaves his Mom, Marie, siblings Marilyn, Billie Jo (Bill), Kathy (Ben), and Danny (Kim). He is also survived by his children; Nick (Lauren), Nichole (Dustin), and Shelby (Austin), his grandchildren; Grant, Hunter, Arrow, Kai, Kenley and Kase, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends. To assist with Kevin's final wishes memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 12pm at The Pine Island Group Area in the Bighorn National Forest - off of US-14 just south of Arrowhead Lodge. PLEASE RSVP HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6bdqXJEXWgerFAX2A_cUk0wlQsIU6jq-2evras0zpCi5u4A/viewform?usp=sf_link