Obituary of Lloyd James Smith Jr.

Lloyd J. Smith Jr., a cherished resident of Lexington, Kentucky, for most of his life, passed away in South Florida on September 6, 2023, at the age of 84. Born on June 5, 1939, in Winchester, Kentucky, he grew up in Cynthiana, Kentucky, before becoming a pillar of the Lexington community.

Lloyd’s commitment to education and service began early in life. His first two years of schooling were held in a one room school which he fondly called “the little red schoolhouse” located in Cynthiana. He graduated from Cynthiana High in 1957 then went on to Eastern Kentucky University where he graduated in 1961,with a BS degree in Commerce. While at Eastern, he was not only a diligent student but also a proud member of the rifle team and ROTC. These experiences instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and dedication that would shape his future endeavors.

In September 1960, Lloyd married the love of his life, Doris Gayle Adams, and their union was a testament to love and commitment for 36 years. Gayle passed away in 1997, leaving a void in Lloyd’s heart that was eventually filled when he married Patricia Leet Dunn in 1999.

Lloyd’s life was marked by hard work, dedication and service. He proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Captain. His service included active duty from 1962 to 1964 at Fort Knox Kentucky where he was a Lieutenant in the Armor Division. He continued with the Army Reserve until 1968 where he reached the rank of Captain. His commitment to his country was unwavering, reflecting his deep sense of duty and patriotism.

Lloyd was also a dedicated professional. In 1964, he began his career at First Federal Savings Bank as a teller and steadily climbed the ranks. In 1982, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, eventually becoming President and CEO of the bank in January 1985—a position he held until his retirement in 2003.

His commitment to the community extended beyond banking. Lloyd served on various boards, including four years as a director with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Cincinnati, three years as a director of the Kentucky League of Savings Institutions, two years as Vice Chairman of the Kentucky Insurance Board, and as a trustee on the board of the YMCA. He was also a member of the National Association of Review Appraisers and Mortgage Underwriters.

Lloyd’s dedication to philanthropy was evident through his role as a past member of the Oleika Shrine Temple and service as a trustee on the board of governors of the Shriners Burns Hospital of Cincinnati. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute his wisdom and experience by serving on the board of First Federal Savings Bank.

Lloyd loved to play golf in his younger years as well as jog at the YMCA on a daily basis. His other hobbies included yard work, bird watching and observing the natural beauty of trees. He was especially fond of the greenery in the trees when he moved to Florida. He also had a talent for watercolor paintings with natural sceneries. A talent he obtained from his father.

In 2022, Lloyd relocated to Tamarac Florida, where he enjoyed the warm climate and embraced the local community. Regrettably, on September 6, 2023, he departed from us due to complications arising from recent chronic illnesses.

Lloyd was a devout believer and was baptized in the name of Christ. He was a long-term member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, where his faith provided guidance and strength.

Lloyd is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Leet Smith, who brought joy and companionship into his life, and is also survived by his three beloved children: Alisa Adams Lunsford (Daniel) of Lexington, Kentucky, Shane Alan Smith (Jessika) of Weston, Florida, and Lyle Monroe Smith of Lexington, Kentucky. He is also survived by six adoring grandchildren who affectionately called him “Bobby”. They are Casey Raisor (Eric), Shane Smith Jr. (Leticia), Haley Lancaster (Eric), Gabriella Koltak (Michael), Lizka, Elida, and one great granddaughter, Corbyn Gayle Raisor. In addition to his immediate family, Lloyd is survived by his two stepchildren and their wives, Tad Dunn (Jodi) and Ryan Dunn (Shannon) as well as his brother in law David Leet (Darlene) all of Lexington, Kentucky.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his loving parents, Anna Lucille and Lloyd J. Smith Sr., and his brother, Harry Lewis Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Priscilla Ann Rice, in Cynthiana, Kentucky as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lloyd also leaves behind his cherished companion cat, Maggie, along with several grand dogs and cats.

A celebration of Lloyd’s life will be held at The Calvary Baptist Church Chapel in Lexington, Kentucky. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 10AM-12PM with the funeral service starting at 12PM. Graveside service will follow at 1:15PM at The Lexington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Shriners Burns Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Lexington Humane Society in his honor.

Pallbearers for his service will be Randy Burke, David Leet, Shane Alan Smith Jr., Daniel Lunsford, Homer Rockvoan and Tim Young.

Lloyd’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family and friends, but his legacy of love, dedication, and selfless service will be cherished and remembered forever.