Thurl Smith

Thurl Smith, 73, of Eubank, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at VA Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born Leburn, Kentucky on August 19, 1935, son of the late Chester and Opal Church Smith. Thurl served his country proudly in the United States Army for 2 years. He served in Germany and received a Medal of Army Occupational and a Medal for Outstanding Conduct. He was a retired carpenter/builder and God really blessed him with a gift for being able to build anything with his hands. The joy of Thurls life was his God, his wife, children and grandchildren. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and was the happiest when they were all gathered around him. He enjoyed Nascar, carpentry and worshiping at his church, Woodstock Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sally Hays Smith, whom he married on August 11, 1967, one daughter, Libby & (Clay) Parks, two sons, Charlie & (Millie) Clark and Rick Clark, five granddaughters, Lindsay & (Terry) Estep, Alana Clark, Jessica Bailey, Katie Parks and Lexie Parks and three grandsons, Brandon Clark, Corey Clark and Sean Clark. Thurl was one of thirteen children. He is survived by five sisters, Elsie Ramey, Evia Faye Curry, Evelyn & (Alden) Sturgill, Emmie Vance, Zeda & (Dean) Amburgey, one sister-in-law, Betty Flo Smith and four brothers, Lewis & (Bethelee) Smith, Brewie & (Betty) Smith, Haskel & (Alma) Smith and Bennie & (Marion Sue) Smith. In addition to his parents, Chester and Opal Smith, he is preceded in death by three great-grandsons, Colson, Nathan and Isaiah Estep, one sister, Amy Asher, two brothers, Revis Smith and Clawson Smith and four brothers in law, Charles Curry, Jack Vance, Olus Watts and Arnold Ramey. Thurl will be remembered by his smile and sweet spirit he always had. He didn't know a stranger and welcomed anyone into his home. He always was upbeat and funny and you just felt good when you were around him. His family will miss him dearly and he has left a legacy of love and strength and commitment to his family that his family will treasure for all our days on this earth until we join him in heaven. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, August 23, 2008 at Woodstock Baptist Church with Bro. Tom Patterson and Bro. Ricky Smith officiating. Burial will be in Woodstock Cemetery with military honors by Kentucky Army National Guard Company D, 1/149 Infantry and Ft. Campbell. Visitation will be after 6 PM Friday at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home and after 10 AM Saturday at the church. Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.