Obituaries

Preston Theodore Smith passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at Signature Healthcare, Jefferson Place in Louisville, Kentucky. He was born to James Preston Smith and Margaret Officer Smith on November 4th, 1943, in Wamego, Kansas.

In March 1968, his induction into the United States Army interrupted his undergraduate education at Kentucky State University. Before leaving for Vietnam in December 1968, Preston, known as “Ted”, wed his college sweetheart, “Karen Dixie”. Upon returning from Vietnam in 1970, he pursued further education, earning two master’s degrees—one from the University of Louisville and another from Spalding University—while employed by the Metropolitan Social Services Department and the Louisville Urban League. His career as a school counselor in the New Albany Floyd County School District spanned thirty-three years from 1975 to 2008.

Besides being a loving family provider, he was also a respected business leader who owned the successful Uniquely Yours Floral & Gifts on 10th and Broadway in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ted, a proud father and grandfather, leaves behind daughter Constance Smith-Burnes (Bernard), St. Louis, Missouri, sons Cary Felton Smith Georgetown, Indiana, Aaron Christan Smith, Louisville, Kentucky and Theoron Antony Smith (deceased), and grandchildren Jared Smith, St. Louis, Missouri, Abigail Smith, Eminence, Kentucky, and Willow Smith, New Salisbury, Indiana.

Ted’s many friends, especially his close-knit group “The Fellows,” and his deeply devoted family, will mourn his loss and honor his legacy.