Norman J. Smith, 86, was born on July 9, 1939 in Adair County, KY to Charlie and Eula Smith was a beloved father, husband, brother and grandpa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025 after a brief but aggressive bout with cancer.

Norman married the love of his life, Shirley Baute in 1962. They had two daughters, Debra and Anita, before the Lord took Shirley suddenly in 1971. Norman was determined to raise his daughters the best he could and managed a decent living as a Heavy Equipment Operator, eventually joining the International Union of Operator Engineers which he was a good standing member of through his retirement and until his passing.

Norman found love again later in life by marrying Gloria D. McIver in 1992. Norman and Gloria spent their retirement years between Kentucky and eventually settled back into the Inverness community in Florida until Gloria's passing in 2023. Norman spent the last 2½ years living close to his daughter, Anita and her family, in Valrico, FL in a beautiful independent living community, Osprey Heights. Norman loved bluegrass and country music, fishing, working in the yard and he loved his girl's and grandchildren. Norman accepted The Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior shortly before his death and is Heaven Bound!

In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wives; a daughter, Debra; and several sisters and brothers.

SURVIVORS:

1 daughter: Anita Cabrera (Lou) of Valrico, FL

5 grandchildren: Jonluke, Rachel, Travis, Danielle and Amber Cabrera

1 sister: Fannie Mae Jacobs (Homer) of Kentucky

1 brother: Glen Smith of Kentucky

2 nieces (who continually visited him and stayed in constant contact with him literally up until his death): Lori and Jennifer Moss

Thank you to Jason's Place on Stonehill for Norman's excellent personal care in his last days.

The funeral service was held Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Bell Shoals Church (Chapel) 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. Brandon, FL.

Burial: Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Harden Cemetery

In lieu of flowers or gifts of that nature, please make a donation to Bell Shoals Academy/Unrivaled Campaign for their efforts to further God's Kingdom through education at https://pushpay.com/g/bellshoalsacademy.