Earl Thomas "Hammer" Smith, husband of
58 years to June Stivers Smith, died on January 21, 2021, at Baptist
Health La Grange. Born in Carlisle, KY on December 8, 1937, he was the son
of the late Avery Allen and Edith Louisa Ockerman Smith. Upon graduating
from Eastern Kentucky University, Mr. Smith moved to New Castle, KY in
August 1961 to teach social studies at Henry County High School. He was a
passionate and popular teacher whose students gave him his nickname. After
teaching for several years, he moved into school administration, retiring
from the school system after 28 years.
Hammer
believed that service to community was the best work of life. Beyond his
career as an educator, he was active in the Jaycees serving as President
of the local organization, and was a City Council member for the city of
New Castle, serving multiple terms as Mayor. He served on the New Castle
Volunteer Fire Department as a volunteer and also as Chief of the
department, was a founding member of the New Castle Emergency Squad and
became an EMT while serving, and spent several years as Civil Defense
Coordinator for the County. Hammer was a longtime member of the New Castle
Christian Church and a current Elder there. His service included several
mission trips to build churches and schools in Ecuador, Brazil, and
Jamaica.
Hammer
had a deep love of history and genealogy. He was a charter member of the
Henry County Historical Society and volunteered countless hours as curator
of the History Center. He cherished the time he spent organizing records
and editing the newsletter as he recognized and valued the importance of
protecting and preserving the county history for future generations. He
coauthored two books, Historic Images of Henry County and Historic
Kentucky Postcard Art 1900-2013: Shelby, Henry, Spencer Counties, and also
assisted in the publication of several others. Numerous times he spoke of
how thankful he was to be able to help the many people who stopped in to
research their families. He was frequently asked to speak to schools and
community groups about the county's history. Anyone who knew him knew he
loved children. He never saw a child he didn't want to speak to and make
smile and children adored him in return. He never met a
stranger.
Survivors other than his wife include his son, Douglas C. Smith (Tamela W.
Smith); granddaughter, Morgan J. Maxwell (Erik Haslinger); his brother
John Smith; two sisters, Ann Jolly and June Carter; and numerous nieces
and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his
brothers, Charles Smith and Kenneth "Butch"
Smith.
Funeral
services are private due to Covid.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Henry County Retired Teachers
Scholarship Fund, c/o Mildred Elston, 98 Adams Street, New Castle, KY
40050 or the New Castle Christian Church, Box 475, New Castle, KY
40050.
Prewitt
New Castle Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.
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