Obituary: James R. Smith, 79, formerly of Nelson County

James R. Smith, 79, of Sweeden, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at Medical Center in Bowling Green. He was born Nov. 19, 1937, in Nelson County. He was a retired truck driver.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Jo Rogers; one son, Roger Dale Smith; and his parents, Raymond and Alma Keeling.

He is survived by seven children, Betty Keaton of Bloomfield, Jimmy Smith of Taylorsville, Jo Carol (Glenn) Nethery of Lawrenceburg, Wayne Smith of Taylorsville, Ricky Smith of Bardstown, Stephanie (Stevie) Chesser of Taylorsville, and Quinn Smith of Fern Creek; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and special friend Joyce Willis of Sweeden.

The funeral is noon Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at Barlow Funeral Home with Bro. Adam Sayre officiating. Burial is in the High View Cemetery in Chaplin.

Visitation is 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may go to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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