Obituaries

Leon Jennings Watson, a loving, humble, and adventurous soul, was born on May 28, 1954, in Wyandotte, MI. He resided in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and passed away gracefully on August 29, 2023. Leon was a dedicated member of the Mountain Ash Baptist Church, and his faith was a pillar of strength throughout his life. Leon’s adventurous spirit took him on many journeys, including his successful career as a professional dog trainer. He trained sporting dogs in Montana, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Michigan, and his love for animals was evident in his dedication to this work. He was also a lover of the outdoors, and his favorite activities included hunting, fishing, and spending quality time...

Kenneth (Ken) Byrd, age 84, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born May 8, 1939 to the late John and Mary (Murray) Byrd. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bob Byrd, Tom Byrd, Richard Byrd, and Ted Byrd. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Childress Byrd; one daughter, Missy Sharpe and husband Jeff; one granddaughter, Becky Mitchell and husband Chris; one great-grandson, Lake Alan Mitchell; two brothers, Pat Byrd and wife Kathy of Williamsburg, KY, and Jerry Byrd, and wife Shelia of Cartersville, GA; and a host of relatives and friends...

Virginia Irene Hatfield, age 76, of Duff, Tennessee passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023, at her home. She was born March 26, 1947, in Thomasville, Alabama. Virginia was preceded by her father, Jerry Pugh; brothers, and Jimmy Pugh, and Charles Pugh. She is survived by her husband, Robert J. Hatfield; son, Robert Tilman Hatfield; daughter, Rachel Baker and husband Randy; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; mother, Mary (Hudson) Pugh; brother, Richard Pugh; sister Francine Champion and husband Lawrence; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing. The family will receive friends from 5pm until 7pm on Tuesday, August 29, at the Harp Funeral Home Funeral service will be...

Patsy June Olsen Mays, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 24, 2023. She is survived by her two children, James Timothy Mays (Sherry) and Tammy Elizabeth Mays-Murphy; three grandchildren, Erin Murphy West (Jamie), Christopher Murphy, and Natalie Mays Hemmer (Patrick); four great-grandchildren, Troy Hemmer, Mitchell Hemmer, Maxwell Hemmer, and Fiona West; her two sisters, Wanda Partin (Estle) and Jan Rose White (Dennis); as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, and friends. Patsy was born in Corbin, Kentucky on June 8, 1937, to Orbin and Lucille Olsen. She was the Valedictorian of her class and a motherly guide to her younger siblings from a young age. Patsy was blessed...

Eliga Knuckles, age 58, of Corbin, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Baptist Health Corbin. Born in Gray, KY, he was a son to the late Walter Eugene Knuckles and Sally Mills Knuckles. He worked for many years as the supervisor of landscaping for the City of Corbin. Eliga took pride in being of the Native American Heritage. He was a very talented wood craftsman which he greatly enjoyed. He also loved racing and shared that passion with his family. Most of all, Eliga valued spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Knuckles; and a...

Vincent Eugene Walters, an adventurous, thoughtful, and reliable soul, passed away on August 13, 2023, at the age of 63. Born on April 1, 1960, in Corbin, KY, Vincent lived most of his life in Woodbine, KY. He was a retired electrician who embraced the spirit of adventure through his love of hunting, fishing, and camping. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Vincent did just that, living his life to the fullest and charting his own course. Vincent’s thoughtful nature and reliability made him a rock to his family, whom he loved dearly...

Lori Faith Whidden, a compassionate soul and beacon of support, left us on August 16, 2023. She was a resident of Williamsburg, Kentucky, born and raised in Illinois, where her generous heart touched the lives of everyone she met. As Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts.” Lori embodied this sentiment throughout her life, putting love into every action, every conversation, and every relationship. Lori was a devoted wife to Troy Whidden, her loving husband. Together, they created a home filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. Lori was a supportive mother to her sons,...

Bulah Rudder, age 71, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2023 at the Baptist Health Corbin. She was born in Laurel County, KY, on October 13, 1951 to the late Jim and Mae Johnson Robinson. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Rudder, Sr.; one daughter, Julie Robinson; and one grandson, Shane Wombles. She is survived by one son, Charles Rudder, Jr. (Samantha) of Williamsburg, KY; two grandchildren, Isaak Rudder of Williamsburg, KY, and Raven Rudder of New Mexico; one great-grandchild, Kata Carsner of New Mexico; four sisters, Pat Smith of Laurel County, KY, Sandy Cathers of Laurel County, KY, Diane Owens of Laurel...

Nina Meadors, age 75, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Saint Joseph London. She was born December 24, 1947 in Bryceville, TN, to the late Gaynes and Faye Snow Burton. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by two sons, Billy Ray Lawson, and Seth Meadors; one sister, Diane Brooks; and one brother. Walter Burton. She was a member of Morley Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, James Lee Meadors of Williamsburg, KY; three children, Kevin Lawson (Letisha Asher) of Williamsburg, KY, Josh Meadors (Tabatha) of Williamsburg, KY, and Daniel Meadors (Kayla) of Williamsburg, KY; two daughters-in-law, Heather Lawson of Williamsburg, KY, and Jennie...

William Henrey Vanzant, known affectionately as WH by those closest to him, passed away on August 12, 2023. Born on September 8, 1945, in Double Springs, Alabama, William’s life was marked by a generous spirit, a thoughtful demeanor, and a creative mind that shone through in every aspect of his life. William was a pillar of his community in Jackson, Kentucky, where he resided. His work as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic was a testament to his creativity and skill, and his retirement years were filled with the same hard work and dedication he showed throughout his career. William’s generosity was not only reflected in his work but also in his...