J. E. Smith, Jr.

James Edwin “J. E.”  Smith, Jr., 82, of Flemingsburg, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at his Smith Pike  home place, surrounded by his family. 

Born on September 1, 1936, on Smith Pike in Fleming County, he was the son of the late James Edwin Smith, Sr., and Mary Frances Emmons Smith.

Above all else, J. E. was a devoted family man.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and incredible friend.  He was a lifelong dairy, beef, and tobacco farmer and was the owner and operator of Smith Dairy Farms.  He was Secretary/Treasurer, Chairman of the Board, and Vice Chairman of Fleming Mason Energy during his 58 years of serving.  He also was a board member of Greater Fleming County Regional Water Commission, a board member of Fleming County Water Association, and a former board member of Community Trust Bank.  As a member of the Flemingsburg First United Methodist Church (baptized May 25, 1947), he faithfully served the church for 71 years.  He was also an avid UK fan.

He is survived by his children, James Edwin (Kyna) Smith, III of Live Oak, Florida, Craig Douglas (Daphanie) Smith, and Tammy Lynn (L.L.) Emmons, both of Flemingsburg; his sister-in-law, Dorothy (Kenneth) Jones; and his special friend, Mary Ann Hopper.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, James Edwin “Jason” (Tara) Smith IV, Lucas Rigdon (Megan) Smith, Jordan Thompson Smith, John Thomas (Stacey) Emmons, Alice Kaylyn (Davin) Barnett, Lance Louis (Ashley) Emmons, Hayden Jacob (Sarah) Smith, and Kyler Douglas Smith; as well as his great grandchildren, Arabella Reese Smith, Jaxon Reed Smith, Lucas Sawyer Smith, Emory Grace Smith, Madelyn Lucille Emmons, Chloe Elizabeth Emmons, Connor Thomas Emmons, Arlie Grace Barnett, and Owen Jacob Smith.  

J. E. was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Norma Jean Perkins Smith; his parents; his brother, Robert Mathew Smith; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Douglas Perkins.

The family wishes to give a special “thank you” to J. E.’s caregivers as well as his special niece, Mae Jones.

Services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home with Rev. Ben Cain  and Pastor Jeff Lambert officiating.

J. E. will be laid to rest in Fleming County Cemetery beside his wife.

Pallbearers include his eight grandchildren.  Honorary pallbearers include Kenneth Jones, Ricky Jones, Jeremy Jones, Kevin Cornett, Gene Jett, Glenn Arnold, Tommy McDonald, Mike Hazelrigg, Chris Hickerson, Jim Farley, Kirby Story, and Wayne Craft.

Visitation will be 5-9 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Flemingsburg First United Methodist Church (117 West Main Street, Flemingsburg, KY 41041) and/or the charity of one’s choice.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of J. E. Smith, Jr., please visit our floral store.