A Son of the late Dr. John Smith Passes Away

Daniel "Danny" Tysen Smith, 75, husband and widower of Josephine Green Smith, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, in Louisville, KY. 

Born in New York, NY on July 19, 1949, he was the son of the late and beloved John M. Smith, M.D. of Beattyville, and Mary Nutt Smith, M.D. 

Danny grew up in Beattyville, KY before moving to Danville, KY at age 9. He graduated from Danville High in 1967 and then went to the University of Kentucky to become an elementary school teacher. He achieved a Doctor of Education in 1988. He was extremely proud of his dissertation, which focused on the history of one-room schools in America and chronicled the last one that existed in Appalachia (Floyd County, KY). Dr. Smith, as his students affectionately knew him, taught in the Fayette County school system for 37 years. He began his career at Johnson Elementary before moving to Garden Springs Elementary until his retirement, after which he continued to volunteer at schools in Fayette County and went back to school himself as a UK Donovan Scholar.

He moved to Louisville for his last years to be closer to his grandchildren, who he adored, and with whom he thankfully enjoyed many great days. He loved taking them to movies, picking them up from school, and attending their sporting events. He was an unbelievable “Poppy,” as well as a great sibling, uncle, and friend to many. All who knew him will miss his warm smile and kind heart.

He was also an amazing dad, and his passing has left an incredible hole in our hearts. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Ty (Kristen Byrd), Thom (Leigh Ward), Ted (Amaka Omenyinma), and grandchildren Tysen, Josephine, Theodore, Lennon, Louisa, Gabriel, and Gannon.

Danny loved his Eastern Kentucky roots. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, March 13, 5-7pm, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Rd. in Lexington, KY.