Desmond Gayle Smock, 90, widower of Sadie Rae Smith Smock died Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 at the VA Medical Center Hospice Cottage on Leestown Road in Lexington. Born December 17, 1933 in Washington County, he was the son of the late Effie Smock Hardin. Desmond was raised by his grandparents, the late William and Mary Powell Smock of Deep Creek. He was a Veteran of the United States Army where he served during the Cold War while in Germany. He was a lifelong member of the Deep Creek Baptist Church where most of his family always attended during their life time. He was a 1952 graduate of the Mackville High School where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) from 1948 – 1952. He was a retired employee of North American Phillips, formerly known as Corning Glass in Danville where he was a glass worker. He was also a life long farmer where he raised cattle, hogs and chickens. He loved fishing and introducing children of his family to fishing and bottle calves. He adored Country Music and it was a very big part of his life.

Additional survivors include: one son: Kenneth Eugene Smock of Boyle County; one daughter: Sandra Lynne Smock of Boyle County; two grandchildren: Amanda Smock (Tommy) Orberson and Kenny Smock; four great-grandchildren: Nathan, Sarah and Nicholas Orberson and Kendra Smock; three step-children: Kathie Votaw (Keith) Brim of Rockingham, Virginia, Mike (Judy) Votaw of Danville, and Rick (Mary Jane) Votaw of Lawrenceburg; step-grandchildren: David Brim, Chad and Brad (Shelli) Votaw, Megan Miller, Amy Burris, and Lori (Dave) Baker; 15 step-great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-great grandchildren; his half-brother: Delaine (Patricia) Hardin and his half-sister: Mary Von Devine; two nieces, one nephew and many cousins. He is also survived by his first wife: Ruth Ellen Engle Smock and his three dogs: Jack, Buster and Joy.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the Deep Creek Baptist Church, 3785 Deep Creek Road, Harrodsburg with Gary Pike officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Deep Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Nathan, Nicholas, Brad Votaw, and Tommy Orberson and John Pike serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday and 7:00 – 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home and Cremation Services and after 11:00 a.m. until time of the service at the Deep Creek Baptist Church.

Special thanks go to his caregivers Hope Burgess, Anita Barlow, Stacy Fernandez and the staff of Bluegrass Assisted Living in Bardstown and the VA Medical Center Hospice Cottage staff on Leestown Road in Lexington.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mercer Co. Humane Society, 165 Eminence Avenue, Harrodsburg, Ky 40330.

To share your memories or to leave a message for the family, please visit www.alexanderandroyalty.com.