Wesley Smith

   Wesley Smith, AKA “Big Wes” age 53 of Cawood, Died March 29th, 2025, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

   A lifelong resident of Cawood, Ky, Wes was proud to call Harlan County his home. Although his biking adventures took him to many places along the east coast, on most days you could find him close to home, riding the back roads or foraging the mountains. He found happiness in the simple things of life and was unique to himself. His family meant more to him than anything else, and his four kids were his world! Although he loved all his kids, his greatest pride and joy was his son, Aiden Smith, which he raised by himself. He took great pride in being a good father and an amazing papaw. He was also a great uncle, a devoted brother, a loyal friend, and an active member of his community. He was a sentimental man and took many pictures of his life, his family and friends, and his adventures.

   Big Wes spent many years in the mountains of Harlan County. If he wasn’t digging coal under them, he was foraging the ground above. He was well known for his awesome ginseng abilities and knowledge of Appalachian Coal. Wes spent many years underground in the coal seams of Appalachia, having worked in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and even Alabama. He often spoke of his adventures underground and always cherished the time that he and his son were able to mine together. He was proud to pass on his legacy to his namesake, “Little Wes” both underground and above. In addition to his local commitments, he has been featured in several YouTube videos and documentaries and loved sharing his knowledge of the mountains with the world. He was a proud 5th generation coal miner, an avid bike rider, a master of ginseng hunting, and had a keen eye for wildlife. Although Wes’s love for the mountain scenery ran deep, his love for the people here in rural Appalachia ran much deeper. Although the world has seen his face many times, the people of his community have seen his heart! Wes was a beacon of light in tough times for thousands of people in his community and even afar. From life crisis to natural disasters and everywhere in between, if someone needed a helping hand, Big Wes was there to lend it. He will be remembered for years to come by all who knew him.

   Wesley is proceeded in death by his mother; Eva June Smith, his grandparents; Agnes and Harvey Jack Osborne, Meddie and Byrd Smith, and Ben Noe.

   Left to cherish the memory of “Big Wes” is his Father, Darrell Smith Sr, His children Wesley Smith and wife Taylor, Kiersten Smith and husband Johnathan, Aiden Smith and Hailey King; His grandchildren Aria Smith, Kolt Craycraft, Karoline Craycraft, Leeann Mitchell, Remington Mitchell, and Paisley King; his life companion, Tommie Payne; his siblings, Darrell and Misty, Aggie and Tracy, nieces Elora Middleton, Katie Smith, and his nephew Mikey Smith. Also left to mourn his passing are the many people within the community and afar who have somehow been touched by Big Wes and his incredible heart. His will be missed by all who knew him. His generosity, kindness, and love will be remembered for years to come.

   Visitation will be 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday (April 5) at the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.

   Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm Saturday (April 5) in the chapel of the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home with Rev. Franklin Stewart officiating.

   Burial will follow in the Browning - Smith Cemetery at Cawood, KY. Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers.

   Please feel free to leave a condolence or memory at www.aljfh.com

   Wesley Smith and his family are in the care of the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.