Francis Gerald Smith

Francis Gerald Smith, 76, of Loretto, passed away peacefully September 27, 2026 surrounded by family. Gerald, a devout Catholic, ultimately succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease. In the final week he was cared for, not only by his family, but also Hospice of Nelson County who the family is immensely grateful. A proud United States Army veteran, he served with courage and dedication ultimately being awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds received during the Vietnam War. His love of fishing, hunting, gardening and all things outdoors was only overshadowed by love for his family.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, William Herbert and Mary Geraldine Cambron Smith, siblings, Tommy Smith, Harvey Smith, Kelly Smith, Barbara Nell Boone, brothers-in-law, Tony Medley, Bernard Boone, Lawerence Boone, Andy Miles, sisters-in-law, Gloria Smith, Renee Miles, infant son, Gerald Kennedy Smith and beloved grandson Austin Smith.

Gerald will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 56 years, Gladys, children April Weakley of Lebanon, Christina Hamilton (David)of Lebanon, Timothy Smith (Stacey)of St Francis, Deanna Kelley (Jack) of Bardstown, grandchildren, Jace Newton, Joey Hamilton, Shaina Harrison, David Hamilton, Meredith Call, Riley Ellis, Sammie Smith, Isaac Smith, Kennedy Kelley, Jacklynn Kelley and Hallie Hamilton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 am Friday, October 2, 2026, at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6785 Highway 52, Loretto. Rev. Richard T. Goodin will officiate. Interment will follow in Lebanon National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the Marion County Honor Guard.

The visitation will be 4 pm – 8 pm Thursday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Gerald’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association Research at Alzheimer's Association .

Pallbearers are Jerry Smith, Andy Smith, Randy Mattingly, Troy Medley, James Smith, and Gaylon Blanford; Honorary Pallbearers are Dillon Miles, Dallas Mattingly and all of his grandchildren.