Mr. Jack L. Smiddy, age 81, died on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.
He was born on Thursday, November 17, 1938 and was the son of Elvis and Myrtle Smiddy of Gale, Illinois.
One of four children, Jack excelled in athletics earning ten Varsity letters. He played football for his high school football team, the Shawnee Redskins and it was said he was the fastest running back in the state of Illinois! After graduating, Jack attended Murray State University and later joined the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division, as a paratrooper. After his time in the service, he spent much of his career in construction project management; overseeing various government infrastructure developments. His last project prior to his retirement was managing the widening of I-65 to five lanes just north of the Nashville city limits.
Jack was married to the love of his life, Pat Smiddy for more than 51 years. He has four children, Patsy (Cox) Steele married to Mitchell Steele of Calvert City, Terri (Cox) Noles married to Alan Noles of Benton, Shane Smiddy married to Chas Smiddy of Benton and Chris Allen married to Suzanne Allen of Hunstville, AL.
He was adored by his six grandchildren, Lindsey Smith (and her husband Derek), J.T. Powell, Taylor Cary (and her husband Chase), Allee Noles, and Hannah and Joseph Allen. He could be known to tell fellow grandparents in recent years that while grandchildren were really something, “just wait until great-grandchildren!” He treasured his four great-grandsons, Deacon, Davin, Grady, and Steele.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Betty Lou Waddell and Millie “Sissy” Brown. He is survived by his brother Donald Smiddy (and his wife Sue) of Calvert City.
An avid golfer, Jack was happiest on the golf course playing alongside his wife, Pat or his dear friends, “The Points Bunch.” He formerly served as President of the Calvert City Country Club and remained a devoted member of the club and fan of the sport throughout his life. He enjoyed watching baseball and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals but perhaps had an even deeper affinity for little league baseball, as he loved watching his great-grandsons fall in the love with the sport in recent years. He enjoyed telling stories, fishing and collecting but above all, being with his family.
Jack loved children and could be known to give out Hot Wheels cars to Trick-or-Treaters at Halloween. To honor this, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Jonathan-South Family Resource Center, 9207 U.S. Highway 68E, Benton, KY 42025.
A private memorial will be held for the family and close friends at a later date.