Hiriam Curtis "Curt" Smith

Hiriam Curtis “Curt” Smith, age 69, of Ledbetter, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah, surrounded by his loving family. Born December 23, 1956, in Paducah, Kentucky, Curtis was the son of the late Hiriam Smith (Ann) and Joyce Smith. Curtis spent much of his career as a heavy equipment operator and was a longtime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 181. After recently retiring from Jim Smith Contracting, he spent his later years farming. Always on the move, Curtis never slowed down. He was rarely one to sit still and spent much of his time checking in on friends or lending a hand wherever it was needed. Affectionately known as Curt, he truly never met a stranger. Some might say he had too many friends, and his network of connections seemed endless. Curt was known for his outgoing and approachable personality and for making people laugh with his quick wit. If you met Curt, you were a friend of Curt’s. Everyone remembers his hilarious stories or has one of their own about him. An avid racing enthusiast, Curt loved horsepower, going fast, and working on his cars. Whether at the track or in the garage, he found joy in anything that involved speed and engines. Curtis is survived by his daughter, Emily Sirk (Ben) of Paducah; his sisters, Joy Ramage (Darrell) of Ledbetter and Connie Smith of Benton; his beloved granddaughters, June Sirk and Heidi Sirk; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents; Hiriam Smith and Joyce Smith; stepmother Ann Smith; and his brother, Dicky Van Smith. Curt will be remembered for his friendship, humor, and the countless lives he touched throughout the years. Visitation will be held Sunday March 8, 2026, from a 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be held Sunday March 8, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel with Rev. Micheal Donaldson officiating the service, burial will follow in Tiline Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.smithfc.com Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.