West Paducah, KY Billy "Dean" Smith passed away on Thursday February 26, 2026, at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY. He was born May 22, 1942, in Erin, TN to his late parents, Bert and Frances (Bishop) Smith.
Dean was a devoted Christian who taught Sunday School for more than fifty years and was a longtime member of Spring Bayou Baptist Church. He worked as a painting contractor for many years, including employment with O.H. Hancock and Smith and Wheatley, where he worked for 38 years. He later co-founded Smith Painting with his son. Dean enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching hummingbirds, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ladonna Smith of West Paducah, KY; his son, Tim Smith (Teresa) of Cadiz, KY; his brother, Jack Smith of Kevil, KY; his sister, Sue Oreskovich (Pete) of West Paducah, KY; his sister-in-law, Betty Finnell of Lone Oak, KY; three grandchildren, Zac Smith (Sara) of Mayfield, KY, Rebecca Smith (John) of Arlington, VA and Sam Smith (Ashley) of Richmond, KY; two great-grandchildren, Georgia Smith and Gage Smith.
In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by two brothers, Garner Roe Smith and Bert Autry Smith, as well as several brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center, KY.
Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel with Rev. Larry Davidson and Rev. Tim Smith officiating.
Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 10, Kevil, KY 42053.
