Utica, Kentucky – Jerald Lee Smith, 81, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at his home.
Born December 16, 1943, in Mitchell, he was the son of Clark Edward and Mary Ruth (Miller) Smith. He married Deratha “Dee” (McClintock) Umphress on December 31, 1983 and she survives.
Jerald was a 1961 graduate of Mitchell High School and a graduate of Purdue University. He was a farmer, had a passion for horses, and had previously managed the Mitchell Swift Fertilizer Company. He retired from Stone Belt Trucking. Jerald was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, and was a member of Spice Valley Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Deratha “Dee” Smith of Utica, Kentucky; grandchildren, Ceara Smith (Chad) Raymer of Whitesville, Kentucky and Chance Smith of Biloxi, Mississippi; great-granddaughter, Allie Mae Raymer of Whitesville, Kentucky; and other family members, Philip Mark Smith of Williams and Jennie Lee (Albert) Chastain of Mitchell.
His parents and children, Keri Umphress Smith and Jamie R. Umphress, preceded him in death.
Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 13, at Spice Valley Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by Cecil C. Martin American Legion Post No. 250 and Marvin R. Davis Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.
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