Jay W. Smith

Obituary of Jay W. Smith

Jay W. Smith, 78 of Stanford, Kentucky, formerly of Crab Orchard, died Friday, February 20, 2026 at Ephraim McDowell Regional Hospital as he was surrounded by his family. Husband of Mitzi Tyler Smith, whom he married on December 19, 1997. Born August 19, 1947 in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Hurley Thomas "Tom" and Lena Manuel Smith. He was a retired conductor for Norfolk Southern Railroad Company with 25 years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War. Jay loved his family and enjoyed spending time with each. Jay loved to go fishing for crappie. He enjoyed telling stories of all kinds, especially tales about the big fish that always got away. He and his grandson, Alex would have frequent discussions about the U. K. Basketball team and he would get the political situations discussed with his grandson, Chance. Jay was a member of American Legion Post #345 of Stanford, Kentucky where he enjoyed the fellowship with each veteran member. Jay will be forever cherished by his family and friends.

Survivors Include: Wife of 28 years, Mitzi D. Tyler Smith

Daughter: Kimberly (John) Taylor

Son: Justin Smith

Three Stepdaughters:

Ashley (Jared) Sloan, Sarah (Greg) Branam, & Samantha Key

Six Grandchildren:

Alex Taylor, Chance Taylor, Brittani (Alex) Moberly, Caleb Branam, Codi Branam, & Knox Sloan

One Great Granddaughter, C. J. Moberly

One Sister: Sheila Smith Hopkins

One Niece: Brandy (Jon) Norwood

One Nephew, Chris (Amanda) Hopkins

Sister in law, Pam Smith

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Mark Smith (2019)

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at McKnight Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Hill officiating.

Burial with military funeral honors will be held at Camp Nelson National Cemetery

Military Funeral Honors will be performed by the Caswell Saufley American Legion Post # 18 of Stanford, Kentucky

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 from 9:30 AM until 12:00 PM funeral time at McKnight Funeral Home Chapel

Pallbearers Include: John Taylor, Alex Taylor, Chance Taylor, Caleb Branam, Knox Sloan, Steven Beachy

Honorary Pallbearers Include: Herbert Jones and members of both the American Legion Post # 345 and the Lincoln County Veterans Outreach Center of Stanford, Kentucky

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions in loving memory of Jay Smith, be made to the Lincoln County Veterans Outreach Center, mailing address of 107 North 2nd Street, Stanford, Kentucky 40484