Ralph Vernon Smith

Ralph Vernon Smith, 79, of Nicholasville Ky passed away at his residence August 5 , 2026. Vernon, as we know him, was born November 10, 1946 at the Beaver Valley Hospital, Martin KY to the late James Chester and Ruth Tackett Smith.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Carmelia, of 45 years; his sons, Brian Vernon (Linda) Smith, Nicholasville Ky, Derek James (Shannon) Smith, Lancaster Ky; step son, Donny Lee (Lisa) London Ky; step Daughter, Sheila Oaks, Nicholasville Ky; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brother, Darryl (Debra) Smith, Frankfort Ky; sister, Debra (Roy) Johnson, Frankfort, Ky; three nieces; and one great nephew.

Vernon was preceded in death by his first wife Patsy Sue Varney, his parents and step daughter Sherri Cummins.

Vernon graduated Wheelwright High School in 1963. He entered Morehead State University in the fall of 1963. He took a brief break going to Michigan to work. Moved back to Ky in 1966, enrolled at Morehead and graduated in 1968 with a BS in Business Administration. He began working at Kentucky West Virginia Gas Company in 1968, living in Prestonsburg then Auxier. He met contacts from all over. Eventually moved to Lexington and started working for Lonnie Ferrin of Weaver Oil & Gas out of Houston TX. He worked for several other companies including Jimmie Hamilton & Ashland Oil. Vernon finally bit the bullet and started out on his own, forming his own company, Paddock Oil & Gas. During this time he was named Landman of the year.

He enjoyed working in the oil & gas business, running his company until he was 77 making that 58 years. He enjoyed baseball, taking care of his fruit trees, flowers and mowing 5 acres. He was also an avid hat collector. His special furbaby is Blackie, a black lab. Most of all Vernon loved and treasured his family.

A funeral service will be held, Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12pm, at Clark Legacy Center, Brannon Crossing with Pastor Dennis McClanahan officiating. Visitation will start at 10am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens, Nicholasville KY, at 1:30pm. Serving as Pallbearers will be Derek Smith, Austin and Tyler Smith, Steven Smith, Patrick Hunt, and Roy Johnson. Honorary pallbearers Brian Smith and Darryl Smith

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators.