William Edward Willoughby

William Edward Willoughby, “Bill”, passed on to his heavenly home on August 12, 2021.  He was at home and his devoted wife and caretaker was by his side.

He was born March 24, 1959 to the late John Daniel (JD) and Teresa Bethel Powell Willoughby.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Johnny Willoughby, his father-in-law George Hollon and his sisters-in-law: Donetta & Sylvia Willoughby.

Bill worked for 34 years at The Kroger Company and would still be there had his illness not caused him to take an early retirement.  While raising a young family in the hills of Powell County, he worked at the US Brick Plant and pursued every opportunity to provide for his family.  He chopped firewood, made hand-hewn tobacco sticks, worked on small engines, and farmed tobacco and cattle.  He worked as if working for the Lord, not man.

Bill was not defined by his illness.  He was solely defined by the one thing that he lived his life for and that was to serve Jesus Christ.  He loved people like Jesus.  He was a good Samaritan--never too busy to stop to help a perfect stranger in need.  He always gave God the credit for any goodness in him.  He had joy and his many wonderful friends would tell you he loved to have fun.  He also enjoyed serving alongside his church family at Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Camargo.  Bill also liked to golf, hunt, fish, tinker with small engines and spend time with his wife & family.

He is survived by:

The love of his life of more than 43 years, Judy Lorraine Hollon Willoughby.

His son, James Bradley (Stephanie) Willoughby and his children: Jordan Bradley (Kaylan) Willoughby and their child Asher Reed, Gracie Jo Branham, James Tyler Willoughby & Cameron William Cser

His daughter Melody Jo (Jason) Townsend and their children: Anna & Alden Townsend

His son, William Ashley (Melaine) Willoughby and his children: August Lee Willoughby, Stormie Angel (Brandon) Thompson and their children Ryzan & A’Manyoul and Learics Webb and her son Gracen.

His siblings – Sherman (Nit) Willoughby, Madonna (Bobby) Lawson, Larry (Bonnie) Willoughby, Ruth Charles, Sharlene (Tom) Stevenson, Becky Henry, Luther (Gail) Willoughby, Linville, Leon and Jeff Willoughby and Minnie Willoughby.

His mother-in-law, Naomi Hollon and sister-in-laws – Kathy (John) Cora, Nancy Sue (Michael) Donaldson and Georgetta (Keith) Gannon

And so many other precious and faithful friends that are too numerous to list.

Pallbearers – James Willoughby, William Willoughby, Jordan Willoughby, Brian Wade, Brandon Thompson, Dave Jenkins, Greg Arnett, Jabo Harrison

Honorary Pallbearers – Jason Townsend, James Tyler Willoughby, Cameron William Cser, August Lee Willoughby, Alden Boone Townsend, Teddy Hughes, Bobby Arnett, Jimmy Gross, Eric Bentley

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Herald & Stewart Home for Funerals in Mt. Sterling, KY with Brother Chris Colley officiating and special speaker, Stephen Donithan.  Visitation will be from 12:00pm – 2:00pm the same day.  Burial will follow at the Townsend/Willoughby Family Cemetery that joins the Lovely Amburgey Cemetery in Jeffersonville, KY. The service will be live streamed for those who are uncomfortable or unable to attend the service. Livestream link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=IURj0wkUURc

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory are requested to Unity Freewill Baptist Church at 4122 Camargo Rd, Mount Sterling, KY 40353 or The Prostate Cancer Research Institute, a 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to helping prostate cancer patients and their families research and navigate their treatment options on a pro-bono basis.  Their address is: 300 Corporate Pointe, Suite 383, Culver City, CA 90230