Harold Ray Smith

Harold Ray Smith, 86, long time resident of LaGrange, KY, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. He was born to the late Robert Smith and Martha Farmer Smith on December 3, 1936 in Bradshaw, Kentucky.

He is preceded in death by seven brothers and one sister. Left to cherish the memory of Harold are his wife; Sue Smith, Daughters; Marti Moore (Scott) and Sandi Sybert (Matt), Grandchildren; Matthew Moore (Emily), Katie Barnes (Justin), Abigail Sybert, and Noah Sybert, Great-Grandchildren; Harry, Charlie, Lily and extended family and friends.

Visitation was held Saturday August 19, 2023 from 3pm-6pm at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 West Jefferson Street, Lagrange. A Celebration of Harold’s life was held Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 3pm at DeHaven Baptist Church in LaGrange.

Harold was a graduate of Jackson County High School where he served as president of the Future Farmers of America. As a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, he served as the president of the Baptist Student Union and then attended the University of Louisville School of Law where he graduated first in his class. He continued to serve in the Army as a Captain in the JAG Corp and later taught at the University of Louisville School of Law before moving to Oldham County and joining the law firm of Clark, Manby, and Williamson where he became a full partner after two years at the firm.

Harold served his community as an Attorney in Oldham County for 56 years. He was affectionately known as the “Godfather of Local Charities” and was instrumental in starting, supporting, and serving on several charities within the county.

Among his lifetime of contributions to his community, Harold was LaGrange City Attorney, Oldham County Board of Education Attorney, board member for Louisville Baptist Hospital, co-founder of the Mallory Taylor Foundation, Chairman of the Oldham County Red Cross, supporter of the United Way in Oldham County, founder of The Bank Oldham County, founder of Good News Homes, co-founder of the Oldham County Community Foundation, and co-founder of the Inasmuch Foundation.

Harold was recognized as Oldham Countian of the year in 1989 and as a past president of the LaGrange Rotary, where he served as an active Rotarian for 56 years, Harold received the LaGrange Rotary Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. As an active church member, leader, and deacon at DeHaven Baptist Church, he generously supported the church with his money, time, and talents and took several trips with Baptist Missions to build churches in Russia and Africa.

Harold will best be remembered for his love of people. He was an unforgettable presence in this world and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Good News Homes or DeHaven Baptist Church.