Herbert William "Bill" 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 Creighton, Nicholas County. After serving as a First Sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps 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 Catherine "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 Tincher, Jonathan 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 and brother-in-law, Carl Lee Thompson, Frankfort. In addition he is survived by many friends.

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

Services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday at Mathers-Gaunce F.H. by Rev. Steve Smith. Burial will follow in Carlisle Cemetery.

A reception will follow at the Carlisle Christian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carlisle Christian Church.

Visitation will be after 5:00 P.M. Sunday.