Obituary
He was born on October 10, 1938, in Madisonville, KY, to the late Naomi Franklin Trathen and Lloyd Smith. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He was formerly a truck driver for Goodyear. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, singing, and old trucks. Basil and his wife, Alice, were members of the Branson Band. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. B.L. was of the Christian faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Oldham Smith; daughter, Bridgett Brennan; and sister, Elsie Gordon.
His survivors include his wife of thirty-eight years, Alice Morrison Smith of Madisonville; daughters, Angela Miller of Slaughters, KY, and Kay Phillip of Charleston, SC; stepson, Steve Curtright of Madisonville; sister, Georgia (Rick) Ruth Dockins of Hanson, KY; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Crabtree officiating. Burial to be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Madisonville. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy and the Hopkins County Honor Guard at the funeral home.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour on Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Chris Cates, Brandon Cates, Nicholas Cates, Jonathon Stokes, and Colton Miller.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.harrisfuneralinc.com
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