Jesse "J.O." Smith

Jesse Orville (J.O.) Smith peacefully entered into eternal life on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the age of 102.

J.O. was born on March 22, 1923, to Jesse Oliver and Carrie Belle Franklin Smith of Fern Creek, Kentucky. He graduated from Fern Creek High School in 1940 and then earned an associates degree from Bryant-Stratton Business College. He spent the last 34 years of his career as a diligent employee of Dixie Solvents (eventually renamed Chem Central), retiring as plant supervisor in 1988. He farmed his land all his life until he was no longer able, about a year before his death. He served on the board of Fairmount Cemetery for many years, even tending to the grounds himself.

J.O.'s most important roles in life were servant of God, husband, father and neighbor. J.O. was buried in baptism with Jesus Christ early in his life, a choice he made that impacted every relationship he had and every act of service he performed. For decades he was a faithful and active member of the Oak Grove church of Christ, leading in prayer, teaching and preaching, serving as an elder for a time, and especially leading in song. J.O. had a passion for singing hymns to God and he sang wherever he went, whether it was in the worship service or out in the cornfield. In 1945 he married Geneva Russell of Fern Creek, Kentucky, and lovingly devoted himself to her until her passing just after their 70th anniversary. J.O. and Geneva were blessed with four children and J.O. was a dedicated and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather all the years of his life. True to biblical principle, J.O. believed every person was his neighbor and he tried to meet every need he saw. Sometimes that meant pushing stranded cars out of the ditch or snow, corralling a neighbor's lost cows or plowing the fields for those who didn't have a tractor, picking up litter on his walks, or giving away vegetables to people who drove by. He also had a charitable heart for the needy, both locally and in other parts of the world.

J.O. is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Geneva; brothers, Harlan Smith and J.T. Smith; and son, James Smith.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Priddy (Richard); daughter-in-law, Ruth Smith; and sons, Russell Smith and John Smith (Frani); his grandchildren, Tim Robinson, Jonathan Robinson, Mark Robinson (Monya), Amy McDonald, Steve Smith (Kelly), Greg Smith, Sarah Mayberry (Nathan) and Ross Smith (Alex); nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 2-7 PM and Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11 AM with funeral service to follow at 12 PM and entombment at Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the WHAS Crusade for Children.