John Smith Obituary, Cause of Death – Springfield Community Mourns Beloved 81-Year-Old
SPRINGFIELD, Ky. — John Roy Smith, 81, of Keeneland Drive in Springfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville, leaving behind a loving wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and a community that will deeply miss him.
Born on December 19, 1944, in Washington County, John was the son of the late Joseph Manuel and Mary Helen Newton Smith. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lily Brooke Smith, who passed away on January 29, 2024, as well as his brothers Coy Smith and Sandy Smith.
John devoted much of his working life to maintenance and service. He spent 32 years working in Maintenance at General Electric in Louisville and later worked at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Springfield.
Beyond his career, John was an active member of his community and faith. He was a third-degree member of Council 4270 of the Knights of Columbus in Springfield and a member of St. Rose Catholic Church.
John’s greatest source of pride, however, was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Fay Smith, and their three sons: DeWayne (Anita) Smith of New Haven, Bruce (Becky) Smith of Bardstown, and Troy (Kelly) Smith of Springfield.
He is also survived by four brothers, Earl (Judy) Smith of Indiana, Jim (Ruth) Smith of Springfield, Dave (Patsy) Smith of Mackville, and Steve (Rita) Smith of Bardstown; and four sisters, Georgia (Joe) Carl of Bardstown, Martha Ann Hardin of Springfield, Sarah Just of Paducah, and Mae Greene of Versailles.
John leaves behind 10 grandchildren — John, Matthew, James, Zach and Braden Smith, Caitlynn Cook, Tyler and Janna Simpson, Tony Lanham and Joseph Vicain — as well as eight great-grandchildren: Kailyn, Rory and Daphne Smith, Kayleigh and Izabell Simpson, Eli Muncy, Cason Cook and Ellie Ice.
For his family, John’s passing marks the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. The years he shared with those closest to him created memories that will remain a source of comfort during the difficult days ahead.
Funeral Services for John Roy Smith
A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and again from 7:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Friday morning.
A Funeral Mass for John Roy Smith will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, at St. Rose Catholic Church, with Rev. Joachim Kenney, O.P., Rev. Pier Giorgio Dengler, O.P., and Rev. Terry Bradshaw officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Rose Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be John, Zachary, James, Matthew and Braden Smith and Caitlynn Cook.
Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
John Roy Smith will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his years of service through his work, his involvement with his church and community, and the many relationships he built throughout his 81 years.
His family will carry his memory forward through the generations he leaves behind — from his children and grandchildren to his great-grandchildren who will continue to know his name and legacy.
May John Roy Smith rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the love, memories and moments they shared with him.