Worley Thomas Smith

Worley Thomas Smith, age 94, of Tick Ridge, Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Kingsbrook Life Care Center in Ashland surrounded by his loving family.

Born January 24, 1932, in Elliott County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Fred Arthur Smith and Zora Lyon Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelena Kiser Smith on December 19, 2020; an infant son; four brothers, Jesse, Howard, Stirl, and Emory Smith; and six sisters, Beulah Smith, Ada Debord, Magdalene Mabry, Omega Oppenheimer, Daisel Allen, and Wanda Sue Adams.

He is survived by two sons, Jeffery Thomas Smith (Lucinda) of Olive Hill and John Anthony Smith of Flemingsburg; two daughters, Joyce Gaye Thornsberry (Vaughn) of Morehead and Judith Ann Richardson (Allen) of Beckley, West Virginia; and one sister, Ruth Fannin of Sandy Hook.

Worley is also survived by nine cherished grandchildren, Chassi Smith Lege, Emilee Hamilton, Eli Hancock, Chad Hancock, Justin Thornsberry, Megan Prater, Britney Marie Smith, Lauren Grace Smith, and Emma Brooke Smith; eight great grandchildren, Isaiah Buckner, Breanna Cundiff, Kingston Hamilton, Graham Hamilton, Willow Stapleton-Prater, Xander Thornsberry, Autumn Thornsberry, and Meadow Thornsberry; and four great-great grandchildren, Emma-Jean Buckner, Weston Buck Cundiff, Bentley Cundiff, and Ross Cundiff. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A native of Elliott County, Worley was one of 12 children. Growing up, he helped his family on their farm, where he worked in the fields raising tobacco and cutting timber. He also worked alongside his parents in the family business, Smith's Grocery on Mauk Ridge, which they operated for many years.

Worley dedicated part of his life to public service, serving as a city police officer for the Olive Hill Police Department and later as a Carter County deputy sheriff under Sheriff Russell Blevins. Following his law enforcement career, he and his wife, Evelena, owned and operated Smith's Grocery in Limestone, Kentucky, for several years. While operating the store, he continued to log and cut timber and also ran a coal yard in Limestone.

Worley attended Haldeman Church of God and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending church. Above all, Worley treasured his family and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him great joy.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but the memories he created and the love he gave his family will live on in their hearts forever.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Brother Bobby Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Smith Family Cemetery on Route 504, Mauk Ridge, Elliott County.

Pallbearers: Jeffery Smith, John Smith, Isaiah Buckner, Justin Thornsberry, Allen Richardson, Vaughn Thornsberry, Bobby Lege, and Eli Hancock.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

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