Earnie Smith

Earnie Smith, born on August 28, 1940, in Clay County, Kentucky, son of Lois and Clara Smith, had a life filled with love for his family, deep faith in God, and a passion for the businesses he founded and the land he worked on.

Earnie was a devoted husband of 57 years to his late wife, Sally. He was a cherished father to his daughter, Missy, and found great joy in being a grandfather to Tucker.

Earnie was a self-made businessman of 60 years, serving Knox County by building many homes and providing construction needs for his community.

A true man of the earth, Earnie found solace and purpose in working on his farm. He dedicated years to raising cattle, carefully tending to his herd, and understanding the rhythms of the seasons.

Earnie’s connection to nature extended to his love for beekeeping, ensuring the health of his hives and producing delicious honey. He was also an avid hunter, enjoying the time he spent in the woods with his dogs.

Beyond his life on the farm, Earnie’s faith in God was the cornerstone of his existence. He was a believer in the Baptist Faith and loved attending Green Road Baptist Church where he was always welcomed to take part in the music portion of the services.

Earnie found immense joy in expressing his devotion to God through gospel music; singing in quartets, leading church choirs, and often heard at home playing his mandolin with heartfelt enthusiasm.

Earnie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sally Smith, his parents, Lois and Clara Smith, his sister, Troy Logsdon, and his brother, Lester Smith.

Earnie is survived by his loving daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Eric Barker; his precious grandson, Tucker, and his fiancé, Peyton Smith; his brother, Earl Smith, and his wife, Betty; his brother, Preston Smith, and his wife, Mildred; his sister, Aneda Warren; his sister, Linda Stewart, and her husband, Bill; his brother, Terry Don Smith, brother-in-law Jim Logsdon, sister-in-law, Thelma Smith and several special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Hampton-Hutton Funeral Home on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Mickie Smith and Charles Calloway officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the hour of service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Smith Cemetery.

Earnie’s legacy of hard work, unwavering faith in God, and love for his family and the land will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

To the Smith family, the staff of the Hampton-Hutton Funeral Home would like to offer you our heartfelt sympathy during your time of bereavement.