Hillard Duane Smith

Hillard Duane Smith, known to many simply as Duane, passed away on October 15, 2026, in Independence, Kentucky, at the age of 63.

Duane was born on October 23, 1962. He was a truck driver his whole life, a path that reflected his steady nature and strong work ethic. He was someone who never met a stranger and never forgot someone once he had met them, even if he sometimes forgot their name. That gift for connection made him memorable to so many and helped him leave an impression wherever he went.

He found joy in simple pleasures and in the things he loved most. Golf was one of his great passions, and he loved the game so much that he would even golf in the snow, heater in tow, determined to enjoy every round he could. He also loved food and was known for often planning his next meal before finishing the first, a habit that brought laughter to those around him. His sense of humor stayed with him throughout his life, and he was fond of joking that his headstone would read, “I told you I didn’t feel good.”

A huge part of Duane’s life was Alcoholics Anonymous. He was 35 years sober, an accomplishment of which he was deeply proud and one that stood as a powerful example of perseverance, commitment, and hope. That strength remained evident this year as he fought hard through a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Above all, Duane was known as the world’s best pappy, a title that captured the love he gave so freely and the special place he held in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his wife, Reshelle Hayden; his mother, Bonnie Asher; his daughter, Kira (Harrison) Young; his sons, Fish (Jasmine) Hayden and Nicholas Smith; and his grandchildren, Stella, Stevie, Hunter, Callahan, and Armani. He is also survived by his sisters, Jodi, Mahala, and Leona; his brother, Robert; and his best friend, Steve (Laura) Wahl. Each of them carries forward memories of his humor, his warmth, and the unmistakable way he made people feel welcome.

He was preceded in death by his grandchild, Greyson, and by his brother, Johnny.

Duane will be remembered for his resilience, his laughter, his love of golf, his enjoyment of a good meal, and the deep affection he had for the people in his life. His presence will be missed dearly, and his memory will remain a lasting comfort to all who knew and loved him.