Gene "Smokey" David Carswell, age 72, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, with his family by his side.

He was born August 10, 1952, in Valdese, North Carolina, to the late Albert Jerome Carswell and Eufola Brown Carswell.

Smokey is survived by his son, Luke Carswell and wife Katie of Morehead, Kentucky, and two special granddaughters, Rylee and Alexis Carswell, who were the light of his life. He is also remembered by a host of extended family and friends.

A devout Christian, Smokey was a longtime member of Better Life Church, where he dedicated his life to serving the Lord, caring for his family, and running his business. He worked for nearly 20 years at Morehead State University as the Equine Breeding Manager before founding his own successful operation, now known as 7th Heaven Farm.

A pioneer in his field, Smokey was the first to develop a method for shipping semen in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. In addition to managing the breeding program, he also enjoyed judging horse shows and had the honor of judging the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration three times.

Above all, Smokey loved the outdoors and cherished time spent deer hunting with his son, Luke.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Daniel Lucas officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers: David Jernigan, Zach McClurg, Scot Potter, Tony Sparks, Greg Wells, Billy Morgan, and Ira Kilburn. Honorary pallbearer:  Mike Dement.

Honorary pallbearers: Jeff Stamper, Matt Sparks, Joe Fraley, Kim Butler, and Danny Caudill.

Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com