Earnest Wilson Smith, 85, of Sexton Creek, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Laurel Creek Health Care Center in Clay County, Kentucky, following a lengthy illness.

Born on October 17, 1940, in Clay County, Kentucky, Earnest was the son of the late Ellis Smith and Goldie Hunter Smith. He worked for many years as a Tool & Die factory worker.

Earnest is survived by his son, Gregory Smith of Kings Mills, Ohio; his grandson, Tyler Smith of London, Kentucky; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Donnie "Ella Mae" Smith of Clay County, Kentucky; one sister, Shirley Byrd of Clay County, Kentucky; his former wife, Imogene Turner of Kings Mills, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, Earnest was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward Smith, Dallas Smith, and Virgil Smith, and one sister, Suzie Pearl Baker.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Clarks Chapel Baptist Church. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Jeremy Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Hensley Cemetery in Booneville, Kentucky.

The family has entrusted the arrangements to Searcy & Strong Funeral Home.