Erik Lee Smith

Erik Lee Smith, 54, of Lexington, and devoted husband to Tina Lynn Purvis Smith passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2025. A Lexington native, he was born to Sundra G. Haney and the late Winfred Clayton Smith on February 22, 1971. Erik was a U.S. Navy Persian Gulf War veteran. 

After graduating from Henry Clay High School (‘89), Erik enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served our nation honorably for six years. The ships on which he served included the USS Texas (CGN-39) and the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Following his service in the Navy, he built a successful career focused on computer programming. Erik rose to the position of Chief Technology Officer at BluegrassNet (Bluegrass.net), a firm he served for twenty-five years. 

Erik enjoyed family cruises, going to concerts, and cooking. He earned the title of foodie with his kitchen skills. His hobbies also included gaming. He will also be remembered as being very proud of his Irish heritage. Most of all, Erik Lee Smith was a dedicated family man. 

In addition to his loving wife of 25 years and his treasured mother, Erik is survived by two children, Alexandra Danielle Smith and Aidan Lewis Smith; two sisters, Heather Smith and Crystal Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Services celebrating Erik’s life will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Clark Legacy Center-Brannon Crossing, Nicholasville: visitation from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm; funeral at 1:00 pm. A committal service with military honors will conclude the services, at 2:30 pm, Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Nicholasville. 

Go to Clark Legacy Center's Facebook page at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 5th to watch a Facebook Live of the funeral service. You may click the following link at that time: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkLegacyCenter/  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lexington Humane Society (https://lexingtonhumanesociety.org/donate/) or Lexington Pit Crew (https://www.lexpitcrew.org/donate).