Born on December 2nd, 1926, Doyel Smith passed away at his home in Mayfield, Kentucky on Thursday, March 25th, at the age of 94.

Doyel was an Army veteran, who, after being honorably discharged, moved from Kentucky to Michigan and began a long career at Ford Motor Company that only ended when he retired in the early 1980s. He was a dedicated and hard working employee, and then he enjoyed retirement to the fullest. He traveled the country in an RV; he was known for being a grill master who cooked better meat than most any restaurant; he took up golf in his seventies and played frequently; he was an excellent craftsman; and he loved entertaining friends and family, especially when he dressed up as Santa Claus for an annual family Christmas party.

He was very active until the last few years of his life; many family members fondly recall his 90th birthday celebration and how much he enjoyed himself After that monumental birthday, he decided to start yet another chapter of his life and move back to his hometown with his daughter after fifty years. Even as his body was failing, his mind remained strong; he was always sharp witted and that never wavered.

Doyel had a long, full life and leaves behind so many. He is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Debra Cline, and the adult children added to his family after his second marriage, Sheryle Morey, Brenda (Jon) Monroe, Diane (Gilbert) Wilson, and Curt (Chris) Jackson, along with several nieces and nephews. He, too, leaves behind granddaughter, Melissa Cline-Douthitt (Scott) and great grandson, Harrison, along with eleven additional grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. Lastly, he is survived by one sibling, Betty Lemmon.

He is proceeded in death by his first wife, Flora, his second wife, Mavis, and brothers Dean, Dwayne, and James.

We want to thank Hospice for the wonderful care they have provided for the last several months and to his daughter and caregiver, Debbie. We also want to thank local nieces Sheila Conway and Pam McReynolds for all their help and Sheryle Morey for her assistance before Doyel moved.

Graveside services for Mr. Doyel Smith will be 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Highland Park Mausoleum.  Dr. Mike Baker will officiate.  Entombment will follow.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #26.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. on Sunday at Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield, KY.