William "Butch" Smith

William Earl Smith, Jr., 66 of Harlan, KY. “Butch” as he was better known by family and friends departed this life here on Earth and entered his Heavenly home on Saturday, December 28, 2024, surrounded by loving family.

Butch was of the Christian Faith, and attended Liggett Baptist Church, where he played many roles through-out his years as a member, from teaching children and teens in youth group, guiding newly found Christians, to teaching the adult Sunday school class. He loved the Lord and was proud of his faith and testimony. Even on his sickest days if asked how he was, his answer was simple, “Blessed!” And that he was, with a loving wife whom he just celebrated 27 years of marriage, four beautiful children, and three grandchildren.

Butch lived majority of his life in Harlan where he was born, except for his time in the military. He served in the United States Army from 1978-1984. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved back home to Kentucky to build his life and continued contributing to his community working with the Harlan Fire Department, Sunshine Fire Department, and the Harlan County Rescue Squad. He worked for the Bennett Organization for 41 years. He performed many jobs for Mountain Supply but most of his years were working at and managing Mountain Construction Concrete until he retired. Here he met many lifelong friends. Butch was an avid book reader with his favorite books being, Westerns, Star Wars and the Bible. He loved watching cartoons with Scooby-Doo being his all-time hero!

To know Butch was to love him. He was a genuine man that had a heart for helping others. Even if it meant going without for himself.

In addition to his parents, Earl, SR and Betty Smith, Butch is proceeded in death by his stepmom, Joyce Smith. Grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Smith, Rev. John and Roxie Skeen. Daughter, Beth- Ann (Mac) Shackleford. Grandson, Jayden Stewart. Brother, Robert Majors. Special friends, Herbie Jenkins and David Thompson. Special Aunt, Mary Phillips.

Those survived by and left to cherish his memory include his wife, Debra Smith. Son, James (Sarah) Shackleford; Daughters, Chris (Nick) Faulconer, Ashley (Adam) Branson and his loving grandchildren, William Fincher and Trey Faulconer. Sister, Tina (Terry) Harris, two brothers, Shawn (Becky) Gray, Tim Gray. Two special aunts, Georgie Gibson and Abby Shackleford, two special nieces, Patty Perkins and De (Bug) Clem. Special friends, Linda (Ernie) Boggs, his special puppy, Roscoe, and a host of other relatives and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 1st, 2025, from 5-7PM in the chapel of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 7 o’clock with Pastor Bobby Cornett and Rev. Dennis Williams officiating.

The burial will be held on Thursday January 2, 2025, at 11AM at Resthaven Cemetery with Military observed by the Harlan County Honor Guard with James Shackleford, Adam Branson, Sam Harris, Terry Harris, Jackie-Ray Clem, and Ernie Boggs serving as pallbearers.

The family asks that all memorial contributions be made to the Hope Lodge in Lexington. 1500 College Way, Lexington, Ky 40502.

On behalf of the staff of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home we would like to offer our heart-felt sympathy to the family during their time of bereavement.

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