Johnnie Ray "Jay" Arthur-Smith

Johnnie Ray “Jay” Arthur-Smith, age 46, of Shelton Drive, Morehead, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, at his residence.

Born October 19, 1979, in Ashland, Kentucky, he was the son of Johnnie Ray Smith and Debra Lynn Worthington Hall.

Jay is survived by his father, Johnnie Ray (Martha) Smith of Greenup, Kentucky, and his mother, Debbie (Ronnie) Hall of Peebles, Ohio; two children, Madison (Will) Haden of Louisville, Kentucky, and Josh Arthur of Morehead, Kentucky; one brother, Clinton (Amy) Smith; two sisters, Maggie Kiefer and Chelsie (Brandon) Gilliam, all of Greenup, Kentucky; one stepbrother, Feller Hall of Peebles, Ohio; and three stepsisters, Davina (Ray) Walters and Jessica Loper, both of Portsmouth, Ohio, Tammy Parker of Winchester, Ohio, and Crystal Stewart of Grand Island, Florida.

Other survivors include his father- and mother-in-law, Bill Arthur and Sharon Arthur of Irvine, Kentucky; nieces and nephews, Alison Neese, Emma Gilliam, Ellie Gilliam, Alaina Kilgore, Bridger Smith, Melissa Rowe, Shephard Smith, JW Gilliam, and Elijah Kiefer; a special uncle, Steve Worthington; and his beloved fur babies, Paisley Greer and Lola Greer.

Jay was the former owner of Dawg House Grooming and was currently employed at Impact Behavioral Health, where he loved working with adults with special needs. He had a heart of gold and a light that could fill any room. He was the best “Guncle” ever and a cherished friend to so many.

Jay had a special way of making everyone feel valued, cared for, and loved. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, the last dollar in his pocket, and all the time you needed when life became difficult. His kindness, generosity, and unconditional love touched countless lives.

He loved Christmas, traveling, decorating, and spending time with his family. Jay's love and the joy he brought to others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. As those who loved him learn to navigate this world without him, they will carry his spirit with them and remember: “I love you more.”

Jay was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Papaw Bud Worthington and Betty Broughton, and paternal grandparents, Johnny and Georgia Smith.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals. Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. at Crowe Cemetery on Furnace Junction Road in Ravenna, Kentucky.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, Kentucky.

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