Paul Winfield Smith

1955 - 2021

Paul Winfield Smith
February 2, 1955 - May 15, 2021
Lexington, Kentucky - Paul Winfield Smith, only son of the late John Bruce Percival Holman Smith and the late Joan Winfield Smith both of London, England, was born on Ground Hog Day, February 2, 1955 in Toronto, Canada. He died peacefully in Lexington, KY with his loving wife at his side on May 15, 2021 after a courageous two year battle with cancer. At a very early age, as a paper delivery boy, Paul learned that hard work brought success. Paul attended North Toronto Collegiate Institute. Upon graduation, Paul began his automotive career in Toronto. He said if he was going to be in the car business, he was going to be where cars were "king." He moved to Santa Barbara, CA in 1978, and by the age of 25 was Service Manager at Santa Barbara Nissan until 1991. While there, he received numerous awards for customer service, achieving #1 in the region. Paul also owned and managed various businesses from 1991-2010. In Santa Barbara, he owned and operated a laundromat and a check cashing business. He moved to Lexington in 1996 and established KY Log Homes Construction, and for the last 11 years was the Service Manager of INFINITI of Lexington. Paul was recognized twice during his tenure (2013 & 2019) by INFINITI for being #1 in the Nation for Customer Satisfaction in Service Operations. He was also an integral part of INFINITI of Lexington's receiving the Award of Excellence in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, the highest achievement for an INFINITI dealership. As an avid "car guy and more", he was passionate about car racing and exotic cars. He was also an accomplished sports car racer. He won the 1989 South Carolina SCCA GT2 Championship and placed highly in other years. He raced at Willow Springs, Laguna Seca, Riverside International Raceway, and Firebird Raceway. Survivors include his wife, Destinee Dorton Smith; children, Alisa Marie Hurst, Gregory Winfield Smith, Michelle Elizabeth Robinette (Ellec), Alexis Marie King Smith; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Paul loved traveling and car racing. Many of his travels included attending Formula One and other car racing events. He also loved flowers, gardening, and his dogs. The family would like to invite all those who knew and loved Paul to a Celebration of Life to honor this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The celebration will be held on Thursday, May 27 at the Doubletree Suites, 2601 Richmond Rd, Lexington from 5:30-8pm with a toast at 7:30pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40504. For further details see milwardfuneral.com