Herb Jewell

Herb Jewell, 66, of Florence, passed away Monday, September 7, 2015. Born on October 12, 1948, in Hazard, KY, to Bill and Mable (Friley) Jewell, Herb was the 4th of nine children. Having been born just after the Great Depression, Herb and his siblings grew up hard but their mother taught them the value of hard work, honesty, dedication and an immense love toward family and he grew into a man who lived by those values. He was the owner of Jewell Trucking, which provided logistic expertise to Container Port trucking company, and had been a dedicated driver for over 25 years. Herb was an avid sports fan. For many years, he had participated in stock car racing. He was a familiar face and fierce competitor at the Florence Speedway, as well as other area tracks and 'officially' began his racing career in the late 80s. This was a career that kept him busy racing every Friday and Saturday night until 2008. When it was time to hang up his driving gloves, he then began building the race cars and having other drivers drive them. Herb was heavily involved in this beloved sport until very recently. He also enjoyed going to the horse races; he loved to cook...especially Sundays, when his routine was to make beef stew in front of the TV while he watched the Sunday car races; he could build just about anything from the ground up; he loved music - always having his guitar in hand and passed his love and musical talent on to his children. When his son and grandsons each became old enough to play pee wee football, Herb was a constant presence on the Boone County Blackhawks sideline, proudly supporting, encouraging, funding and offering advice. As the boys progressed in age and levels of the game, Herb was still their biggest fan and supporter. The same can be said of his love of basketball, especially enjoying his granddaughter's time on the court as well as his favorite - UK Wildcats. He was preceded in death by his mother and father as well as three brothers: Ricky, Mike, and Lynvell Jewell. Herb's spirit will be carried on by his wife of 40 years, Libby Jewell; their three children: Kristie, Patty and Billy; along with six grandchildren: Dontay and DreShaun Jewell, Kennedy, Liberty, LaRoy and Ja'Mari, as well as his surviving siblings: Rita Chasteen and husband, Oscar, Wilma Kelly and husband, Herb, Condell Jewell and wife, Robin, Ken Jewell and wife, Jett, and Nola Maggard and husband, Eugene, as well many nieces, nephews, and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. His family chose to honor Herb with a private family viewing which was held on Thursday, September 10, 2015, followed by a Celebration of his Life...a time that included stories and music. In honoring his wishes, Herb was cremated. Alliance Funeral Home and Cremation Center wishes to extend our gratitude to the Jewell family for entrusting the care and services of their loved one to us.