Jacob McIntrye "Jake" Smith

Jacob "Jake" McIntrye Smith, 88
SIMPSONVILLE

Jacob "Jake" McIntrye Smith, age 88, of Simpsonville, Ky. passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Jake was born June 28, 1937, in Shelbyville, Ky. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1955. One of Jake's passions when in high school was (and still is) football. He was a fierce competitor and always discussed those games played with Shug Hickman, Bill Clements, Bobby Carter and so many others! After graduation, he joined the Army. Once he completed basic training, he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Not long after being stationed in Fairbanks, he called home (collect call) to Carol Lou Marlow to come up to Fairbanks where they married on Sept. 15, 1956. Alaska was still a 'territory' at that time!
Upon being married in Alaska, the place where they intended to stay on base was not ready, so they ended up staying in a tiny shack on base that had one full size bed, one small kitchen and kitchen table and one set of plates, silverware, pots and pans. They shared that shack with Cordy and Joetta Armstrong, also from Shelbyville, for one full week! They would take turns fixing meals and eating.
After two years of military service, Jake and Carol Lou returned to Shelbyville. Jake began working for the State of Kentucky in the Transportation Department, Railroad Crossing Division. He worked for the State for 41 years, where he drove to Frankfort for most of those years with his dear friend, George Best! While also working for the state full time, he worked for Smith-McKenney Pharmacy for many years part-time, as well as performed "Perk Test" for new home constructions. Jake retired from the state in 1999 to spend time with Carol Lou and his grandkids. However, after several years of full retirement, Jake was hired by Shannon Funeral Home to work part-time. He spent almost 15 years with Shannon's and wow, did he develop great friends/family members with them and the community. So many stories to tell!
Another passion for Jake was golf! Again, with Jake's competitive nature, he enjoyed golf and yet would come home in a bad mood if the golf game was off that day! Every opportunity, you would find him on the course with Bill Borders, Shug Hickman, Steve Harris and other family and friends. He was a member of Shelbyville Country Club for many years! And last, but certainly not the least, was his devotion and love of family! It was everything to him and Carol Lou.
Jake was a member of Simpsonville Christian Church for more than 70 years and served as Deacon, Elder and as Board Chair many years. Over the years, with family reunions, trips and holiday gatherings-those were the most special times you could imagine. And of course, every time the family gathered, singing would commence. Gospel music was a special part of the Smith gatherings!
As stated before, family was the most important part! Jake and Carol Lou were married for 68 years! His 3 children, Mark Fulton Smith (Karen Ruble) of Shelbyville, Bryan Lindsay Smith (Mary McCormack Hayes) of Shelbyville and Angela "Angie" Jo Smith of Shelbyville. Their four grandchildren, Lisle Mae Smith Hardesty (Will), Hannah McIntyre Smith Mattingly (Ryan), Tanner Jacob Smith (Madison Nicole Smith) and Lindsay McCormack Smith (Adam). Also, six great-grandchildren, Noah Hardesty, Davin Mattingly, Eevie Hardesty, McKenzie Mattingly, Hayes Alexander Smith and Marlee Nicole Smith. Family and the church witnessed their LOVE for family by supporting all aspects of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They attended almost every school event, sporting event that each had and showed each of them how to love, respect and spread kindness.
Jake was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Lou Smith of Simpsonville; his mother, Margaret Goodnight Smith and his father, Robert Fulton Smith; his son, Mark Fulton Smith of Shelbyville; his sister, Anne S. Deim, and his brother-in-law, Martin Deim of Danville; his sister, Patsy Frazier of Simpsonville, his sister, Kaye Hickman; and his brother-in-law, Darrell Hickman of South Carolina. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Bailey and brother-in-law Allen Bailey of Seattle, Wash.; and so very many nieces and nephews!
A special acknowledgement to the caregivers over the last few years for Jake and Carol Lou-Anna Wade, Bettye Cottongim, Betty Hundley and Laura Mauzy.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the Shannon Funeral Home with the Rev. Crystal McAliley officiating. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Donations can be made to Simpsonville Christian Church and/or Hosparus of Kentucky.