 |
| Ralph Smith |
Smith graduated from Livingston County High School in the class of 1943, and entered into the field of farming and raising cattle – a life-long passion. Even after he entered into Calvert City Convalescent Center, he was aided by his loyal driver/helper to continue to visit his herd of black angus and “count heads.”
Once the state’s youngest sheriff, he retired as the oldest county judge. He was a charter member of the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association.
Smith’s first term as sheriff was in 1954, with a salary of $400 a month and from that amount he had to hire his own deputy and use his personal vehicle. Before 1985, there was a rule that sheriffs could not succeed themselves, so at the end of his term Smith ran for county judge and won. With only one four-year interruption (1974-78), Smith flip-flopped in the two offices until 1981. He was elected county judge-executive in 1982 and held that position until he retired from office in 1999. In all, he spent 16 years as sheriff and 25 years as the county chief executive.
On Aug. 2, 2002, the Interstate 24 Cumberland River Bridge which connects Lyon and Livingston counties, was renamed and dedicated as Ralph Smith Bridge.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at Smith Funeral Chapel in Smithland.
