Paul Smith

Paul Smith, 73 , was born to Joe and Nancy Smith on January 11th, 1953 in Manchester, Kentucky.  Sadly, Paul passed away on May 3rd, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He met the love of his life, Bessie Smith in 1976 at a White Castle, where Bessie had been working at the time. They were married July 5th, 1977 and stayed together for 49 years. Together, they attended Bridgeport Central Baptist Church. They had many, many cats.

Paul worked as a shipper at Carrier Heating and Cooling for 40 years. He was a giving person. He always made sure the people he loved were taken care of and had what they needed.  His generosity did not stop there anyone he met he made sure they had what they needed.

Paul was extremely proud of his pawn shop, Indy’s Treasures. He owned it for a long time. He enjoyed traveling, often taking his nieces and nephews, on various vacations and trips around the country, Leia was however the most expensive, next to her mother and nephew Vernon.  He was an amazing storyteller.  Wheeling and dealing was his preferred past time.  Usually coming out on top of the deal. He enjoyed watching the Andy Griffith show. Most of all, Paul loved family. He loved his wife, his friends, his siblings, his nieces and nephews all the same (He had a very special baby, though).

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Nancy Smith, sisters Francis (Doc) Webb, Irene (Sawl) Begley, Sarah (Jasper) Goins, and brothers Junior (Louis) Smith, Daniel (Geraldine) Smith, Eugene (Linda) Smith, Harold Smith, and Charles (Louise) Smith.

Paul is survived by his wife, Bessie Smith, sister-in-law Kathleen Smith and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be Friday, May 8, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.  Funeral service will be Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11 AM at the funeral home.  The service will be officiated by Pastor Kip Glenn.  Burial will follow at Acton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the IndyHumane, no kill animal shelter, https://indyhumane.org/about/ways-to-give.

Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.