Maurice Smith

Maurice Glen Smith, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Maurice was born June 16, 1937 in Owen County, Kentucky to Leslie P and Mary “Anna” Osborne Smith. During WWII, they moved to Thornhill in Frankfort, Kentucky where he was raised.

Maurice met the love of his life, Martha Ellen Sanderson through his life-long friends, and later brothers-in-law, Roy Barnett and Martha’s brother Doug Sanderson. Maurice and Martha were married on December 21, 1957 at the home of Reverend Roy Lyons. Maurice was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Maurice joined the US Navy in 1956 and was based at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Florida and served aboard the USS Intrepid (CVA-11) as a fighter jet mechanic. During his naval service, their son Jeffrey Wayne was born in 1959. After his honorable service ended in 1960, the young family moved back home to Frankfort, Kentucky. After returning home, they were later blessed with a daughter, Rebecca Ellen in 1962 and another son, Maurice Timothy in 1968.

After returning to Frankfort, Maurice’s civilian career began in manufacturing at Central Screw Company. In 1974, Maurice left private industry for a career in state government where he retired as an Appeals Referee. As a jurist, he presided over contested Unemployment Insurance cases at the highest level of appeal. He was also supervisor of all Hearing Officers in Kentucky.

Early in their marriage, Maurice and Martha had discovered the beautiful Atlantic beaches and enjoyed romantic moonlit drives on Daytona Beach. After moving back to Kentucky, they, along with other family members including in-law families, would frequently vacation in their favorite destination, Daytona Beach, Florida. One of Maurice’s most enjoyable activities was deep sea fishing, and he was very good at it.

Maurice is survived by his wife Martha Ellen Sanderson Smith; his son Jeffrey Wayne Smith (Sandy), daughter Rebecca Ellen Smith Burke, and son Maurice Timothy “Tim” Smith (Jennifer). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Leslie “Wayne” Clay Smith (John Price), Rachel Elizabeth Ellen Bowman, Nicholas Cody Holloway (Erika), Daniel Thomas Holloway, Allison Leslie Smith Mueller (Christopher), Katlyn Jo Smith Aeh (Nathan), Marissa Nicole Miller (Dale Goins), Jameson Cade Miller (Ashley Scott), Matthew Timothy Smith (Audrey Brown).

Great Grandchildren: Theodore “Teddy” Mueller, Hailey Madison Goins, Damon Caleb Goins, Sylvia Maeve Hope Goins, Ansley Kate Bowman, Victoria Rose Mueller, Palmer Reese Holloway and Esme Soleil Goins.

He is also survived by his sister Janice Lee Smith Cunningham (David) and many, many nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Anna Smith, brother Rueben Eugene Smith, nephew Michael David Cunningham and son-in-law Michael Paul Burke, as well as his two lifelong friends, his brothers-in-law Roy Douglas Barnett and Albert Douglas Sanderson.

Maurice was a long-time member of Frankfort Elks Lodge BPO 530 as well as American Legion Post 7 Frankfort. Services will be officiated by Dr. Hershael York and Pastor Wes Noss.

Visitation will be at Clark Legacy Center on Tuesday, November 2 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, November 3 at 1:00pm. Maurice will then be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Pall Bearers will be Leslie “Wayne” Clay Smith, Nicholas Cody Holloway, Daniel Thomas Holloway, Matthew Timothy Smith, Brian Joseph “B.J.” Jump and Joseph Douglas Sanderson.