Wallace "Smiley" Prince

Wallace Prince, 91 of Corinth, KY, passed away Wednesday May 27, 2026 V.A. Medical Center in Lexington. Born on September 5, 1934 in Barbourville KY, he was the son of the late Ewell and Anna Osborne Prince.

On July 9, 1952, Wallace entered the United States Navy in Norfolk, VA; he proudly and honorably served his country during the Korean War until August 25, 1955, where he earned a ME3 ranking; he continued to serve for many years in the Naval Reserves. On Christmas Eve, 1957, he was united in marriage to the former Shelby Jean Collins; she survives. For many years, he was employed by the Federal Government, United States Department of Agriculture as a Meat Inspector. He enjoyed coon hunting, but fishing proved to be his greatest outdoor adventure. Because of his knowledge and love for fishing, he also served as a fishing guide at Norris Lake in East Tennessee.

By all his family, he was lovingly known as “Smiley”. Those left to carry on “Smiley’s” legacy include his wife of 69 years, Shelby Jean Prince; two sons: Joel (Patty) Prince of Burlington, KY, Gerald “Todd” (Tina Fulton) Prince of Corinth, KY; two daughters: Joy Ann (George) Masters of Harrodsburg, KY, Brenda Morecraft of Hyannis, MA and one brother, Parker (Dorris) Prince of Verona, KY. Also surviving are a granddaughter, raised as a daughter, Sabrina (Neil) Rodgers and two grandsons, raised as sons: Kai Prince and Tyler Prince. Additional grandchildren are Ryan Fauth, Sarah Inman, Major Brian Morecraft (USAF), Christian Morecraft, Brooke Morecraft-Harris, Evan Morecraft, Sergeant Adam Prince (Grant Co. Sheriff’s Office), Juliana Prince, Gavin Prince, Ashton Prince, Erika Cox and Sergeant Michael Lacey (USMC), along with 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called him, “Papaw” and “Pa”. Preceding him in death include a great grandson, Breyer Little, two brothers: Otis Prince, Don Prince and two sisters: Jewell Cole and Betty Thomas.

Visitation will be Monday June 1, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Stanley Funeral Homes in Williamstown. Funeral services will begin at 12:30 with Rev. Tom Denny, officiating. Arrival time  of 2:00 is scheduled at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery – North.  His funeral procession will be led by his grandson, Sgt. Adam Prince (GCSO). Full Military Honors will be observed at the KVC-N.