Somerset - In Loving Memory of Roger Smith

July 28, 1945 — April 18, 2026

Hollis "Roger" Smith was born on July 28, 1945, in the heart of the Bluegrass State—Somerset, Kentucky. Growing up in Pulaski County during the post-war era, Roger was shaped by the values of hard work, community, love for family, and the rugged beauty of being a Kentucky farmer, teacher, coach, son, brother, husband and Dad.

He attended and played basketball for Shopville High School, then he went on to get his college degree at Sue Bennett College, Cumberland College, and Eastern KY University, where he earned his Masters and Rank One. Roger proudly served our country the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman and the US Army Reserves.

He taught Chemistry and Biology and Coached Basketball at Shopville High School. He also taught at Shopville Middle School and Northern Middle School. Roger attended Flat Lick Baptist Church, Northside Church and First Christian Church of Mt Vernon. One of Roger's biggest joys of life was attending football, basketball, tennis, and volleyball games of his grandkids.

Roger had a life that was well lived and was known by those close to him as a man who was tough as nails, but soft hearted and kind natured, never met a stranger, and had a passion for farming, sports, and raising his kids. Whether he was helping a former student find a college home, teaching his kids hard work ethic, talking to people at restaurants, or jumping into a 3 on 3 basketball game at a park, his God given ability to connect with people allowed him to bless and touch many lives. Roger engaged in his local community by helping on other farms, making his roots in Somerset a central part of his life.

Roger was the beloved son of Hollis Crittenden and June Owens Smith and a brother to Elaine, Portia, Byron, and Rick Smith. His legacy lives on through his family, who remember him for his tough but gentle nature, his famous quotes and words of wisdom, his love for traditional country music and his love for his church, and the love of his life, Mirian Evona Smith, as he provided the ultimate example of what it meant to be a loving, providing Husband and Father.

He is survived by:

- His children: Sophia June Smith Foree and Macy Foree, Roger Brandon Smith, Amber Nacole Miller Thurman and Jonathan Thurman, and Matthew Alan and Brandy Smith.

- His grandchildren: Sarah Chilton Foree Lewis(28) and Shane Lewis, Noah Smith(26) and Emma Foree, Asher Randall Smith(22), Griffin Thomas Smith(18), Gage Thomas Miller(18), Jude Crittenden Miller(17), Lucy Grace Thurman(16), Kinsley Layne Smith(17), Matthew "Beckham" Smith(15), and Oliver Hollis Smith(10).

His great grandchildren:

Mark Edward Lewis (1) and Amelia "Millie" Peyton Foree (9 months).

- Many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and June Smith; his brother, Rick Smith, a sister Elaine Hail, a sister Janet Lee Coffman, and his loving wife, Mirian Evona Smith.

The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home, 1046 West Hwy 80, Somerset, KY 42503.

A ceremony to honor the life of Hollis Roger Smith will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:00 am at the chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Ed Berry and Bro. Richie Smith officiating. Full Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard. Burial will be at the Smith Gilmore Cemetery at Shopville, KY.

You are welcome to view the obituary and send condolences to the family at our website:www.LakeCumberlandFuneralService.com.

Lake Cumberland Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Hollis Roger Smith.