Mr. Herbert Edward Smith, 90, of Kingston, surrounded by love, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond.
Herbert was on born April 5, 1936, in Whitley County, Ky., the son of James and Susie McKeehan Smith - He was the 3rd child of his parent’s seven children. Herbert was delivered into the world by his grandmother, Mary Monhollen Smith - who was one of the early 20th century midwives of Whitley County and traveled by horseback, delivering many, many babies in the area.
By the Grace of God, Herbert survived and recovered after being thrown from a work truck while on a construction job in 1961. Herbert went on to work at the Blue Grass Army Depot and in 1969, began his employment with Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company in Lexington of which he is a retiree. He also farmed and raised many acres of tobacco.
In 1965, Herbert married the love of his life, Ida Ballard Smith, who preceded him death in 2024. Together they enjoyed life and shared memories for 58 years. In 2023, Herbert had a fall, broke his hip and had many complications. While in the hospital, when medical staff would ask his goals, his answer would always be “to go home and take care of my wife”. Herbert was sent home on Hospice, but once again, at the age of 87, he survived and recovered by the Grace of God Herbert completely recovered and walked without any walking aids and enjoyed being with his wife until her death in July of 2024. Through God’s grace, we know we are equipped to overcome any trials and Herbert truly and fully believed this. He was of the Christian faith and loved the Lord. Herbert was surrounded with love by his family until he took his last breath….what a gift. A gift from God, because God is Love and Love is Eternal.
Herbert is survived by two children: daughter, Cynthia (Greg) Ross and son, Mitchell Smith; one grandson, Tyler (Heather) Ross; three great-grandchildren: Emily Grace Ross, Lucas Tyler Ross, Levi Allen Ross; one sister, Mary Ellen Gentry and one brother, Herman (Shelia) Smith. one sister-in-law, Lynette Shouse; one brother-in-law, Ivan (Jeanene) Ballard. Herbert also leaves behind a host of Nieces & Nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Herbert was preceded in death by two brothers: Millard Smith and Henry Lee Smith; two sisters: Joie Margeline Edmonson and Etta Mae Cain.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, W. Main St., Richmond with George Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Madison County Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be: Tyler Ross, Greg Ross, Lewis Alcorn, Tommy Smith, Jamey Smith, Micheal Smith, Monte Ballard Honorary Pallbearers will be: Herman Smith, Ivan Ballard, Jeff Tate, Mike Tate, Scott Shouse, Jim Ballard, and Bill Ballard.
1 Corinthians 15:10
