Donald Ray Smith

Donald Ray “Don” Smith, 85, of Crestwood, Kentucky, passed away April 14, 2026.

Don was born September 21, 1940, and was known for his strong work ethic, his independence, and doing things his own way. If something needed to be done, he was going to do it himself, whether anyone thought he should or not.

He spent his career as a truck driver and was part of the Million Mile Club, a reflection of the years he spent on the road and the work he put in over a lifetime. His work ethic started early. When his father suffered a stroke when Don was 16, he left school to help care for him. That sense of responsibility stayed with him his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Donald Ray Smith, Jr.; his parents, Willy and Grace Smith; and his brothers Bob, Doug, and Roy.

He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Rene’ Smith; his daughter, Heather (Andrew) Rochet; and his son, Jarrett Smith (Amanda). He was “Papaw” to Te’ (Ashley), Wesley, and Autumn “Jo”; Dre, Drew (Carissa), Bryce (Kaylee), Brooklyn, and Bristol; and Billy, Jacob, Sara, Spencer, and JoJo; along with additional grandchildren. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Zayden, Dante’, Delilah, Evelyn, Polly, Oliver, and others.

Being “Papaw” was a big part of who he was. He loved kids, joked with them constantly, and kept them on their toes. He especially loved his great-granddaughter Evelyn and was always happy to see his “little lady.”

Don was especially close with his daughters, Dawn and Heather. Their relationship with him was strong and enduring. They were a constant in his life, always showing up for him and caring for him when he needed it most. It was shaped over the years by both love and challenges.

Bryce and Kaylee, and Wesley, were also a steady presence in his life, helping him with his home, getting him where he needed to go, and stepping in whenever help was needed.

He had a special relationship with his son-in-law Andrew, who he trusted completely and relied on often, especially when it came to his health.

Don had a personality you didn’t forget. He was a jokester, always messing with people and trying to get a reaction. He could be ornery, but that was part of his charm. He liked things a certain way, especially his house, his yard, and his cars.

Don knew cars inside and out. Anytime something was wrong, he was the first call before a mechanic. He usually already knew what it was

He also knew the country’s roadways better than a map. He had been almost everywhere, and if someone told him what interstate they were on, he could tell them what was coming up, including mile markers, gas stations, and truck stops. Whether it was a trip to California, Texas, New York, or Florida, he was always the one people called.

He loved cars and racing, was a Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan, and enjoyed trips to Talladega and nights at the local track in his younger years. At home, you could usually find him watching car races, Gunsmoke, or The Andy Griffith Show.

He had more than his share of injuries and close calls over the years that should have slowed him down, but never did. Even last summer, he was still out mowing his yard a strip at a time. 

Don passed away from injuries sustained in a car accident. It was not from slowing down or giving up, but while still living life the only way he knew how.

He will be remembered for his work ethic, his independence, his humor, and the way he lived life on his own terms.

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