Donald “Poppy” Kelly Smith

Donald “Poppy” Kelly Smith, age 84, husband of Lillian Christopher Smith, departed this world on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at his home. Born in Paris, Kentucky on May 29, 1942, he was the son of the late Harim and Margaret Fowler Smith. He owned and operated Smith Trucking Service from 1960 until his retirement having many customers within the county, as well as the surrounding counties, some that even became close friends. He was Co-Vice President of the Paris Band Boosters, having had many adventures, making numerous friends and memories over the years, serving the band with his son, as well as with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Cecil and Laura Christopher; his great grandson, Silas James Cameron; and his “Favorite Girl” Kathy Darlene Wells Smith.
Surviving along with his wife Lillian, whom he married in 1964, is his son, Christopher (Donna) Smith; granddaughters, Jaclyn Smith (Steed) Roe, Samantha Smith (Philip) Johnson; an honorary grandson, Ronnie Cameron; and step grandchildren, Kristen (Joseph) Glover and Nicole Alsept. Also surviving are great grandchildren, Jaxson Johnson, Naomi Johnson, Damien Cameron, Galaxy Smith, Delsie Alsept, and Christopher Glover.
Private services were held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Hinton-Turner Funeral Home officiated by Syd Wells. He will be escorted to his final resting place, Paris Cemetery by the grand lady herself, “Crazy Train”, the family’s personal semi. Casket bearers were Kenny Tipton, Ronnie Cameron, Michael Mattox, Philip Johnson, and “his girls”, Jaclyn Smith Roe and Samantha Johnson. Honorary bearers were his great grandchildren, all his favorite band kids, Floyd Buckler, and his special friend, Gene Roy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations to Paris Animal Welfare Society “PAWS”, 6 Legion Road, Paris, Kentucky 40361. www.hintonturner.com