Mr. Herbert William Small, 89, of Carlisle, KY, died May 1, 2008, at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington after a short illness.

Mr. Small was born November 20, 1918 in Bourbon County to the late Elva and Nona Hollar Small and raised on the family farm in Crayton, Nicholas County. After serving as a First Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II, including tours stateside and in the Pacific Theater, Mr. Small settled in Carlisle, the seat of Nicholas County. Following his exemplary military service from 1939 through 1945, Mr. Small joined his father-in-law Luther Thompson in the floral business in 1946. He ran what is now Small's Florist and Greenhouses with great success for 61 years, working until his recent unexpected illness.

Mr. Small was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and a Freemason of the Masonic Lodge. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post 16, VFW Post 8666, and Carlisle Christian Church.

Mr. Small was a well-respected man with a tremendous work ethic and a great sense of humor. He was an avid fan of University of Kentucky basketball and Cincinnati Reds baseball. He was an accomplished gardener, as the success of his greenhouse and the reputation of his crops attest. Mr. Small also greatly enjoyed fishing.

Mr. Small is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary June Thompson Small of Carlisle. He is also survived by his son, John (Michelle) Small, MD of Arlington, Texas and his daughters, June (Larry) Tincher of Carlisle and Cathy (Grant) Mathes of Lawrenceburg, as well as his son-in-law, Joe Lewis of Lexington. Mr. Small is survived by ten grandchildren: Amanda Hoyle, Patrick Lewis, June Anne Tincher, Johanthan Lewis, David Tincher, Rebekah Lewis, Michael Mathes, James Mathes, Elizabeth Brumagen and William (B.J.) Tincher, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He is also survived by his sisters, Robbie (Roscoe) Jenkins of Indianapolis and Peggy (Robert) Harris of Milford, Ohio, his brother David Small of Louisville, and his sister-in-law, Ruth Small of Erlanger. In addition he is survived by many friends.

Mr. Small was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Lewis of Lexington and his brothers James Small and Edward Small.

Pallbearers are Mr. Small's grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are Custer Blair, Roy Gaunce, Gene Gilvin, Simon Joseph, Taylor Mathers, Estill Noffsinger, Brooks Pitman, Dr. Leon Riggs, Don Ruark, Dr. Robert Sparks, Willie Tabor and Jackie Tincher.

Visitation will be Sunday at four in the afternoon for family and five in the evening for friends at Mathers-Gaunce Funeral Home in Carlisle. Service with military honors will be held Monday at 2 pm with Reverend Steve Smith presiding; burial to follow at Carlisle Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Carlisle Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Carlisle Christian Church.