Mr. Donnie Smith was born June 21, 1965 in Barbourville. Donnie took his final checkered flag on this Earth, surrounded by his sister and his children, on June 20, 2021 at the U of L Health – Jewish Hospital in Louisville. He was 56 years old, the son of the late Walter Smith Jr. and Helen Trent Smith.
A lifelong resident of Knox County and one of two children, Donnie understood the importance of family and home and was very much a loving and caring man.
Donnie loved all of his children and grandchildren, but before any of them came along, his first love was racing. He loved any type of racing and loved traveling with his favorite car, The Chevelle from Hell. Donnie raced all of his life and had a lifelong career as a mechanic. He was known to help out any and everyone and always made sure that no one went without.
Donnie leaves three daughters, Londa Holder and husband, Rand, of Bowling Green, Natasha Sizemore and husband, Kyle, of London and Jordyn Smith of Girdler; four sons, Cody Smith and wife, Cassie, of Lily, Steven and Weslee Smith both of Corbin and Zacchaeus Smith of Barbourville; six beloved grandchildren, Ethan, Emma and Karter Holden, Cain and Chloe Smith and Leo Sizmore; a loving sister, Diana Thomas and husband, Michael, of Girdler; a niece, Madason Thomas of Johnson City, TN; a nephew, Cory Thomas of Girdler; many cousins, other relatives and friends to mourn his death.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Saturday, July 24 at 2 P.M. with Rev. William R. “Man” Cobb officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Nan Riley Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Carter Hughes, Billy Messer, Bobby Bailey, Paul Steven Bargo, Kenneth Ledington and Cody Smith. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Vora and the nursing staff at Barbourville ARH Surgical Unit.
Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Expressions of sympathy may go to the Ronald McDonald House at https://rmhclexington.com/donate/today/ in his memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of DONNIE SMITH.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
