August 13, 1917-November 6, 2007
Lucille Saad Smith, born August 13, 1917 in Pikeville, Kentucky to Jasper Ispiridon Saad and Clara Coda Sword, the second of six children, was undoubtedly at her death, the most famous and beloved person in Eastern Kentucky.
The family of Jasper and Clara consisted of four girls and two boys, but unfortunately, two of the girls passed away in their youth. Surviving children were John Ispiridon, a US Army officer, Paul Andrew, an attorney, and sister Margaret Rose. Lucille was a 1936 graduate of Williamson High School, but otherwise a lifelong resident of Pikeville where her fame developed and was natured. The story below, published in the Appalachian News-Express of Pikeville, depicts the qualities admired by friends and family.
“Goodbye Miss Lucy”
Beloved broadcaster, and columnist had a ‘personal touch’
PIKEVILLE—Her voice paved the way for a “personal approach” to radio broadcasting that spanned more than four decades.
That voice now calls heaven home.
Lucille Saad Smith, 90, the host of “The Personal Touch” radio program on WPKE 1240 AM and the stations of East Kentucky Broadcasting, passed away on Nov. 6.
Walter E. May, who serves as chairman of the board at East Kentucky Broadcasting, described Smith as “clearly the best-known person in Pike County.”
“Lucy was a smart, sassy, and assertive woman who cared for everyone she met,” May said.
Her radio show, which debuted on 1240 AM (WPKE) in 1964, gave residents a chance to personally connect with its host. Smith offered residents the opportunity to call into her show, providing statewide standards.
Following this, she had a 20-plus-year career with the U.S. Postal Service from 1967-1990. She rose through the ranks. Upon her retirement, she was postmaster at the main post office in Pikeville which serves as a distribution center for both Pike and Floyd counties. She was the first woman to ever hold that position on a permanent basis.
“Pike County has lost a dear friend and beloved icon. Lucille S. Smith was a legendary Pike Countian whose storied career in public service, broadcasting, and as the author of her long-running weekly newspaper column spanned generations and withstood the test of time,” said Wayne T. Rutherford, Pike County judge-executive. “A county she loved deeply and who loved her deeply will sorely miss this irreplaceable lady.”
Smith was the first female to be admitted membership to the Pike County Kiwanis Club on July 7, 1987. However, she had attended the club’s meetings for more than 40 years. In 2005, she was given the club’s “Citizen of the Year” award. The award was presented by the club’s second female member, Barbara Justice Smith, who joined the club with Smith.
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce recognized Smith the next year, as she was bestowed the 2006 Lon B. and Evelyn Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award.
Smith was a society editor of the Pike County News (predecessor of the News-Express).
“I met Lucille 45 years ago when I was a member of the Pikeville Junior Woman’s Club,” said Nancy Goss, Everyday Living editor for the News-Express. “She was our sponsor and we loved her.
“Through her ‘Personal Touch’ column, which I’ve typed for the past 25 years, Lucille and I became good friends,” Goss continued. “I will miss her, and her column more than words can say.”
She was very active with the Pike County Woman’s Club, and the Democrat Woman’s Club, and served on the boards of directors for the Chamber, the Pikeville Area YMCA, Pikeville Concert Association, and Ray of Hope Foundation.
“I’ve known Lucille for 28 years and she was one of the best friends I ever had,” said Margaret Arnett, president of the Pikeville Woman’s Club. “She was always there for me—she was a support person I could go to.”
Arnett said Smith had served in every office of the woman’s club and was always a very active participant in the many organizations she was affiliated with.
“She was a very dignified lady who had a great sense of humor,” Arnett said. “We are all going to miss her.”
Smith was also named the Woman’s Club “Girl of the Year” and the Beta Sigma Phi’s “Outstanding Woman of Pike County.” In 2000, she was ranked among “Pike County’s 100 Most Significant People” published by News-Express. The Kentucky Broadcasting Association also lauded her with a lifetime achievement award.
Rutherford said, “God has called home one of the best reflections of the true spirit of Pike County we have ever known.”
