Obituaries

GREENVILLE, KY., Evan Michael Lanier, 22, of Greenville passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at his residence. He was born in Greenville on February 12, 1999, the son of Michael Eugene Lanier and Sherry Lee Ferguson Lanier. He was a carpenter and a roofer working for Lanier Construction of Greenville. He was of the Baptist faith. He loved motocross, bow fishing, riding his Harley, and he loved the ladies. 

He is survived by his parents Michael Eugene Lanier and Sherry Lee Ferguson Lanier of Greenville, 3 brothers Tommy Lanier of Greenville, Levi DeWayne Lanier of Greenville, and Jacob Lanier of Greenville, 1 nephew Blake Lanier of Greenville, 3 nieces Rachael Lanier, Makenzie Lanier, and Ella Lanier all of Greenville.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral services will be private. 

Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville is in charge of arrangements.

GREENVILLE, KY., W. J. Murphey, 92, of Greens Chapel community in Greenville passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022, in Muhlenberg County. He was born in Muhlenberg County on November 16, 1929, the son of Justus William Murphey and Alice Bell Crick Murphey. He was the owner of Murphey Machine Company and a farmer for all of his life. 

He was an Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his 1st wife Bobbie Lea Bethel Murphey in 1963, his 2nd wife Clifty Jane Felty Murphey in 1999, and 3 brothers Cleo Murphey, Joe Murphey, and Lawson Murphey.

He is survived by 6 children Jeffery L. (Edna) Murphey of Philpot, Bonnie (Mike) Givens of Bowling Green, Marvin Murphey of Dunmor, Julie (Greg) Davis of Skiatook, OK., Nathan (Becky) Murphey of Mt. Washington, and Kathy (Roger Gordon) Vanderpool of Bowling Green, 5 grandchildren Samantha Tucker, Abby Wilson, Laura Washington, Jonathan Murphey, and Allison Murphey, 5 great grandchildren Allie, Caleb, Carter, Ariel, and Beau, 2 sisters Peggy (Jimmy) Swan of Owensboro and Janice Spratt of Owensboro.

Visitation will be after 10:00 AM until time of funeral on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY with Rev. Jeremy Teague officiating. Burial will follow in Greens Chapel Cemetery in Greenville, KY.

ROSEWOOD, KY., Paul Dean Hankins, 86, of Rosewood passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at his residence after a sudden illness. He was born on March 14, 1935, in Dunmor the son of Holly Mendel Hankins and Sarah Elizabeth Baugh Hankins. He was raised in Dunmor and graduated from Dunmor High School in 1953. He was a member and deacon of Macedonia Baptist Church in Rosewood, KY. Paul joined the Kentucky State Police as a trooper in 1962 and retired in 1988 after 27 years as a detective with the Special Investigations Unit. He owned and operated Big Valley Farm from 1972 for the remainder of his life.   

He was preceded in death by his parents, his oldest granddaughter Holly Jo Devers, and his son-in-law Keith Peters.

He is survived by his wife of 68 1/2 years Carolyn Yonts Hankins of Rosewood, 5 children Vickie Peters of Memphis, TN., Mark (Jane) Hankins of Greenville, Tammie (Dan) Lorden of St. Louis, MO., Phillip (Gina) Hankins of Rosewood, and Susan (Clay) White of Baton Rouge, LA., 7 grandchildren DeeDee (James) Kennedy, Anne (Jeremy) McGill, Sarah (James) Wester, Kate (Adam) Crnko, Whitney (Brad) Morr, Dalton (Whitney) Hankins, and Mika Hankins, 2 step-granddaughters Ashlee (Brandon) Miller and Aly (Lincoln) Evitts, and 18 great grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY officiated by Rev. Curtis McGhee and Rev. Mike Brady. Burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Rosewood, KY.

MADISONVILLE, KY., Dekatha Elaine “Kay” Bard, 79, of Madisonville passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Heartford House Facility in Owensboro, KY. Kay was born in Madisonville on September 8, 1942, the daughter of Floyd Browning and Helen Oglesby Browning. She was a member of Yeargin’s Chapel Methodist Church in Graham and she enjoyed cooking, she liked to travel, and she loved spoiling her grandchildren.   

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 30 years John E. Bard who died on April 28 of 2021.

She is survived by a daughter Kathy (Tommy) Peyton, a grandson Bradley (Jessica) Peyton, a granddaughter Hillary (Justin) Lamb, 3 great grandchildren Addison Peyton, Garrett Peyton, and Booker Lamb.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, February 25. 2022, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY with Rev. David Fullen officiating. Burial will follow in Yeargin’s Chapel Cemetery.

GREENVILLE, KY., Karolette Kay “Precious” Elliott, 73, of Greenville passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at her residence. She was born in Central City on June 1, 1948, the daughter of Elgar H. Stovall and Ruth Walker Stovall. She was a Residential Advisor at the Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center for 24 years, and she was a member of Daystar Worship Center in Bremen.  She loved going to church, all her church family, and her little dog Harley. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Donald Henry Winstead, Jr., a granddaughter Amelia Coffman, 7 brothers Boyce, Bual, Shelly Ray, Gathel, W.E., Jearl, and Lewis Stovall, and 2 sisters Mary E. Lewis and Mae Nell Stewart.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years Richard Elliott of Greenville, 3 sons Nicky (Wendy) Coffman, Jarod (Allison) Elliott, and Marty (Joy) Elliott, a sister Ellen Uldine Stewart, her long-time friend Terry McDonald, her little dog Harley Elliott, 13 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Daystar Worship Center in Bremen on Sunday, March 13, 2022 after 1:00 PM until time of funeral.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Daystar Worship Center in Bremen conducted by Bro. Donald Neal. Burial will follow in New Harmony Cemetery in Bremen. Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville is in charge of arrangements.

MADISONVILLE, KY., Roxie Lee Choate, 64 of Madisonville passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Baptist Health Deaconess Hospital in Madisonville. She was born in Hopkinsville on March 22, 1957, the daughter of the late Lewis Lee Choate and Wanda Nell Young Choate. She worked as a nurse at Western State Hospital in Hopkinsville until her retirement. She loved her dogs and enjoyed reading.

She is survived by 2 sons Joshua Leon Sigers of Evansville, IN., Benny Lee (Christy) Pryor of Oneonta, NY., 1 daughter Chelsea Nicole (Travis) Williams of Madisonville, 5 grandchildren Levie Sigers, Athaniel Sigers, Savvi Williams, Soullton Williams, and Shorey Williams.

Visitation will be held after 9:00 AM Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY until the funeral time at 11:00 AM.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY with Rev. Tom Stovall officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Hopkinsville, KY at 1:00 PM.

GRAHAM, KY., Corbin Melton, Jr., 67, of Graham passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at his residence. He was born in Hazard, Kentucky on July 9, 1954, the son of Corbin Melton, Sr and Gladys Roberts Melton. He was a member of New Life Church in Powderly and attended God’s Amazing Grace Church in Morgantown. He was a UMWA coal miner for 27 years and worked at Martwick Mines until his retirement in 1998. After his retirement, he continued working at Billy Joe’s Excavation in Owensboro and Yeiser Excavating in Utica. He loved UK basketball, dirt track racing, car racing, and spending time with his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Christian Hunter Ford in 1998, 2 sisters Jewell Ann Ralph and Mable Arnold, and 1 brother Chester Melton.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Dovie Mae Begley Melton of Graham, 1 daughter Nena (Chris) Ford of Greenville, 1 son Chris (Pamela) Melton of Graham, 4 grandchildren Kirsten Ford, Lauren Ford, Erica Melton, and Chloe Melton, 4 brothers Tony (Kristie) Melton of Pellsville, Roger Melton of Powderly, Orlis (Charlene) Melton of Greenville, and Homer (Joan) Melton of Powderly, 4 sisters Juanita (Donnie) Walker of Morgantown, Ruby Spradlin of Beaver Dam, Lula (Henry) Shepard of McHenry, and Geneva Cornett of Fordsville.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 11:00 AM until time of service at 2:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY officiated by Rev. Randall Stokes. Burial will follow in Graham Hill Cemetery in Graham, KY.

GREENVILLE, KY., Carmen María Ortiz Winter, 101, of Greenville passed from this life peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, January 15, 2022. She was known to friends and family as Minín. She began her long life in Carolina, Puerto Rico. From the stories she told, she had a wonderful and happy childhood on that beautiful tropical island with her large and loving family. She attended college in Michigan where she perfected her English and adapted to a different culture and climate. Minín met Bill Winter when she returned home to Puerto Rico after graduation, during WWII. He was an officer in the US Army stationed there. They were married in Puerto Rico and when the war was over, they moved to his home state of Massachusetts where all their 4 children were born. After 10 years there, they moved to Miami, FL and then to Greenville, KY. Later, Minín taught high school home economics, then English and Spanish. She was a good influence on her students, and many have kept in touch with her. After retirement, she and her husband traveled in the U. S. and abroad, spent winters in Naples, FL and enjoyed extended family at several large family reunions. Minín enjoyed life and was always ready to learn new things and improve herself. In 2019, she moved to Lexington to an independent living apartment where she enjoyed the company of many new friends and was active and sociable to the end. She even chronicled stories of her life in a book she published for family in the summer of 2022. She was blessed to have lived almost 102 good years and will be sorely missed by her loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wilfrid (Bill) Winter, her son David Winter, her parents Germán and María Teresa Ortiz, her 4 sisters Adelita (Wally) Wallace, Teté (Ernesto) Ruíz, Marina (Harry) Smith, and Haydée (Wayne) Drake.

Minín is survived by her 3 daughters Marjorie (Jim) Herald, Dianne (David) Jernigan, and Connie (Walt) Meriwether, daughter-in-law Lisa Bethel Winter, her brother Germán Ortiz, 8 beloved grandchildren and 9 precious great grandchildren.

Visitation will be private due to COVID restrictions. There will be a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Paul Moore officiating.

We ask that you wear a mask if you would like to attend. Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to any of Minín’s favorite charities. These are Shriner’s Hospital (https://lovetotherescue.org/) , Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate) , and the Wounded Warrior’s Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate).  

Greenville, KY., Raymond Stewart Camplin, 80, of Greenville passed away on January 19, 2022 at Hillside Manor Nursing Home in Madisonville after a lengthy illness. He was born on July 24, 1941 in Muhlenberg County the son of Joshua Harrison Camplin and Ruthie Mae Stewart Camplin. He was of the Baptist faith and was a UMWA coal miner for 43 years for Peabody Coal Company, River Queen Mine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 52 years Betty Lou Miller Camplin in 2020, his son Jeffery Lawrence Camplin in 1989, and 7 brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his daughter Ramona Gail (Jewell Sorrels) Camplin of Greenville, 1 granddaughter Raven Colby Steele of Greenville, 1 great grandson Elijah Stewart Penrod of Greenville, 1 brother Leonard (Alice) Camplin of St. Charles, 1 brother-in-law David (Sandra) Miller of Rosewood, several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be after 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Friday, January 21, 2022 at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville.

Graveside services will be 1:30 PM Friday, January 21, 2022 at Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville, KY. Gary’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GREENVILLE, KY., Linda Elizabeth Rector, 70, of Greenville passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville. She was born in Greenville on August 25, 1951, the daughter of Arlis Lindel Rector and Marjorie Nell Buchanan Rector. She was a nurse for over 30 years in Hopkins and Muhlenberg Counties and retired from the Long-Term Care Unit in Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville. She was a member of the First Assembly of God in Greenville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew Koda Elijah Rector.

She is survived by 2 brothers Steven Gale (Shelia) Rector of Greenville and Eddie (Carol) Rector of St. Charles, several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be private.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Ebenezer Cemetery conducted by Rev. Ed Tackett. Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or the Muhlenberg County Humane Society.

GREENVILLE, KY., Gary Wayne” Pedro” Bratcher, 68, of Greenville passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at 11:46 PM at his residence. He was born in Greenville on June 1, 1953, the son of Kenneth Laymond Bratcher and Genon Fulkerson Bratcher. He was of the Pentecostal faith and he attended New Life Church in Powderly. He was a sawmill worker and a painter at TVA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 daughters Valorie Bratcher in 1975 and Misty Bratcher in 1976.

He is survived by his son Joey Bratcher of Greenville, 2 grandsons Conner Bratcher of Hartford, Brantlee “J.J.” Bratcher of Greenville, his wife Fredia Groves of Greenville, brother Kenneth Bratcher of Drakesboro, 3 sisters Nancy (Delmar Gene) Keith of Depoy, Sandra (Mike) Cartwright of Drakesboro, and Teresa Cartwright of Greenville, several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville with Rev. Robert Lindsey officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Hill Cemetery in Depoy, KY.

GREENVILLE, KY., Ava Nell Schmidt, 94, of Greenville passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at her residence. Ava Nell was born on January 19, 1927, to the late Oscar David Lewis and Opal Mefford Lewis in Browder, KY. She was a graduate of Greenville High School and as a teenager, worked as a sales lady in the Dexter Building in downtown Greenville. She also worked at F. H.  Lewis, Jack and Jill’s, and Sullivan’s clothing stores, and sold tickets for the Strawberry Festival in downtown Greenville. She later worked selling tickets for the Palace Theater. She was dating Smitty at that time and he got to see all of the movies for free. She met her husband Smitty at the skating rink in Drakesboro and after several years, they were married by Judge Harkins on May 11, 1946. They were married for 53 years until his death on December 28, 1999. They had 4 children. When their first child was 9 months old, they moved to Evansville, Indiana where they became members of Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Years later they moved back to Kentucky, to Greenville, and joined Second Baptist Church, where she has been a member for over 61 years. She was a member of the Lydia Sunday School class.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Charles W. Schmidt, 3 sons Donald R. Schmidt, Fredrick G. Schmidt, and Mark L. Schmidt, siblings Charles N. Lewis, Oscar D. Lewis, Mary G. Kirkham, and Anna Faye Shelton.

She is survived by 1 son Robert B. Schmidt of Greenville, 2 grandchildren Catherine (Skylar) Porter and Nola (Kyle) Jones of Greenville, 3 great grandchildren Clay Jones, Caroline Jones, and Jack Porter, all of Greenville.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Second Baptist Church in Greenville.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 12:00 PM at Second Baptist Church in Greenville, KY with Rev. Bob Thurman officiating and Dr. Kevin Milburn assisting.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville.

GREENVILLE, KY., Alan Robert Jones, 69, of Greenville passed away on December 22, 2021, at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville. He was born on October 1, 1952, in Camden, NJ, the son of the late Ronald Jones and Dolly Murphy Jones. He was an Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War.

He is survived by 1 son Jeremiah Jones of Williamstown, NJ.

Funeral services will be private and there will be no visitation. 

Gary’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GREENVILLE, KY., Patty Webb Drury, 80, of Greenville passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro. She was born on June 28, 1941, in Greenville, KY the daughter of Robert Webb and Captola Queen Galyen Webb. She had worked as a secretary for Denny Slinker State Farm Insurance. She was a member of Eastern Star Madeline Chapter, served as Worthy Matron, and had received her 50-year membership pin.  She was a member of Green’s Chapel General Baptist Church, and she was a graduate of Greenville High School, Class of 1959, and was a cheerleader and member of the Beta Club. She loved to play Bunco and had played with the same group for 30 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Stewart Drury, and 2 brothers Peto Webb and Larry Webb.

She is survived by 2 daughters Lisa Drury and Sandy Drury, 3 grandsons Patrick Malone, Drew Parham, and Stewart Parham, 3 great grandchildren Ansley Parham, Eden Parham, and Paisley Malone, 2 sisters Shirley Hancock and Harlene Grace, 3 sisters-in-law Betty Webb, Donna Webb, and Peggy Drury, a brother-in-law Freddie Drury, several nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 2:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY officiated by Rev. Tommy Drury, assisted by Rev. Jeremy Teague. Burial will follow in Green’s Chapel Cemetery in Greenville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Girls of GHS, Patty Webb Drury Scholarship Fund. C/O Barbara Wolford, 4406 Skotty Lane, Owensboro, KY  42303. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

GREENVILLE, KY., James Edwin Davidson, 86, of Greenville passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Greenville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Muhlenberg County, KY on September 13, 1935, to the late James Monroe and Corina May Heltsley Davidson.

He is survived by his 3 brothers Sam Davidson of Greenville, Shirley Davidson of Dunmor, and Silas Davidson of Byron, GA.

Funeral services will be private. 

Gary’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MECHANICSVILLE, VA., Thomas Edward Mercer, 86, of Mechanicsville went to Glory on January 6, 2022, he was born on September 22, 1935. “Big Tom” loved his family, golfing, fishing, and the University of Kentucky. He retired from Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company. He served honorably in the US Army.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Ann Mercer and his grandson Robert Mercer.

Mr. Mercer is survived by his son Sammy (LuAnn) Mercer, 2 daughters Shellie (Ron) Bates and Shelia (Joel) Carr, 7 grandchildren including the 1 he and his wife raised, David Mussellwhite and numerous great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY with Rev. Tom Stovall officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Depoy, KY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

GREENVILLE, KY., Dannie Ray Jones, Sr., 68, of Greenville passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Owensboro, KY on March 3, 1953, the son of Elzie Ray Jones and Patty Delores Maxwell Jones. He was a carpenter for rental property.

He was preceded in death by his father and a grandson Dannie Ray Jones, III.

He is survived by his mother Patty Delores Jones of Evansville, IN., his son Dannie Ray Jones, Jr. of Evansville, IN., his brother David Lee Jones of Evansville, IN., 3 aunts and 1 uncle.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral services will be private. Gary’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dannie Ray Jones Burial Fund at Gary’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 406, Greenville, KY 42345.