Smith

Craig Eliot Smith, 39, of Versailles, died on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, leaving this world much too soon.  Born in Woodford County to Dianne Craig Smith and Duane Smith, Craig graduated from Woodford County High School and then was at the top of his technical school class in Houston before returning home.

Craig was a beautiful musician and spent time playing in a bluegrass band with his closest friends. He had a long career in the restaurant industry, starting as a dishwasher at Holly Hill Inn before beginning his front-of-house roles. During that time, he also refinished antique furniture in Midway, constantly using his hands to refine and craft objects.

Craig moved to Dallas in 2011 and was surrounded by a large family and friend group. He had the opportunity to travel across the country and to Mexico with his friends and family. When his mother died in 2015, Craig stepped in to raise his younger brother Trey, who graduated from high school in Duncanville, Texas, before joining the Marines. It was during this time that Craig discovered pottery and became deeply devoted to creating and refining art, including his own glaze mixtures, and teaching pottery classes.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Dianne Craig Smith.

He is survived by his brothers, Ben (Shelby) Smith and Trey (Sarah) Smith; his aunt, Joan (Carl) Jones; his uncle, Bill (Susan) Craig; his uncle, David (Audrey) Craig; his aunt, Kathy Craig; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his father, Duane Smith, and uncle, Mitch (Carol) Smith. Craig leaves behind friends and family across the country who were touched by his kindness and genuine soul.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, at Blackburn and Ward Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Midway Cemetery following the funeral service.  

Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Smith, Trey Smith, Zachary Craig, Richard Craig, Andrew Wethington, Travis Crouch, Adam Rogers and RK Carter.

Friends and family are encouraged to leave messages of support on Craig’s tribute wall at www.blackburnandward.com.