Friday, August 28, 2020

    Teresa Mae Woolery, age 62, of Wagers Mountain in Ravenna, Kentucky, passed away Friday, August 28, 2020, at the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital following a short illness.
    She was born March 29, 1958 in Estill County and was the daughter of Christine Griggs Tipton and the late Cornelious Tipton. She was a retired teacher’s aide with the Estill County School System and a member of the Mt. Carmel Christian Church. She had lived in Estill County all her life.
    Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Henry Douglas Woolery; a sister, Barbara Tipton (Louie), Fayette County; two brothers: Steve Tipton (Rebecca) and Jeff Tipton (Becky), both of Estill County; and several nieces and nephews.
    Friends called Monday, August 31, 2020, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home. Private funeral services were held afterwards at the funeral home by Bro. Mark Pearson. Burial was at the Gray Cemetery.
    Pallbearers were Dalton Shanken, Greg Adams, Noah Riddell, Dave Irvin, Jeff Tipton and Stevie Tipton.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Thursday, August 27, 2020

    Bill Neikirk, who grew up in Estill County and went on to become a nationally recognized journalist and author, died Thursday, August 27, 2020 after a long illness. He was 82 [born January 6, 1938].
    Born in Irvine to a family of nine brothers and two sisters, Bill Bob, as he was known to his childhood friends and classmates, graduated from Irvine High School in 1956 and earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kentucky in 1960.
    Over a 48-year career that he began as a part-time sports reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader, he worked as a state news reporter for the Associated Press in Lexington, Louisville, and Frankfort and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C., and later as a Washington correspondent for the Chicago Tribune, covering the rapidly changing global economy and later serving as the paper’s chief White House correspondent and assistant managing editor for financial news.
    Besides his newspaper articles, he also wrote three books—Volcker: Portrait of the Money Man, about the inflation-battling former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Paul A. Volcker; The Work Revolution (written with Gail Garfield Schwartz), which described the impact of the technological revolution on jobs held by low-skilled workers; and The Copperhead Club, a fictional thriller set partly in the Kentucky mountains. His website is at www.williamneikirk.com.
    For the past 50 years, Bill and his wife, the former Ruth Ann Clary of Lexington, lived in Arlington County, Virginia, a suburb of the nation’s capital. Besides his wife, he is survived by three children, John (Lisa), Greg (Jeannette), and Christa (Kevin Chang), and two grandchildren, (John) Matthew and Isabella.
    But Bill always considered Irvine his home. He returned there to visit family members and friends, and he split The Copperhead Club’s plot between Washington and the central Kentucky mountains. “My boyhood years never left me, and are an integral part of the landscapes and people” there, he wrote on his website when the volume was published.
    He also attributed his decisions to go to college and to become a journalist to two faculty members at Irvine High School—Walter Tevis, the school’s English teacher and a successful novelist, who first recognized Bill’s writing abilities and urged him to go into journalism; and Leslie Jones, Irvine’s principal when Bill was a student there, who encouraged him to enroll in the University of Kentucky.
    Bill and Ruth met in Lexington, when both were students; he was working his way through college as a part-time busboy at Purcell’s cafeteria, and she—a freshman at Transylvania University—worked in the store’s cosmetics department and ate in the cafeteria frequently. As Ruth Neikirk recalls it, they soon found themselves engaged. “I fell in love with this guy immediately, even before I knew his name,” she says wryly.
    Next to Ruth, sports helped launch Bill on his new career. An avid football, basketball, and baseball player in high school, Bill signed on as a sports reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader, and his first assignment was to cover legendary coach Adolph Rupp’s son Herky in a high school basketball game. By the end of Bill’s freshman year, he had changed his major from electrical engineering to journalism. The die was cast.
    Bill joined the AP after graduating from college, working first in its Lexington and Frankfort bureaus and covering the capital and civil rights issues in Baton Rouge. In 1969, he was transferred to Washington to cover national economic policy. Five years after that, he moved to the Chicago Tribune’s Washington bureau.
    Bill’s long stint on the Chicago Tribune gave him a window on major developments of the time—from the 1976 presidential campaign and congressional action on the impeachment of President Clinton to several recessions and the transformation of the global economy. He also served in Chicago as an assistant managing editor for financial news. During that period he was a syndicated columnist, and a frequent guest on CNN and other TV outlets.
    He retired in 2008 after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. During the seven years before his death, he suffered from debilitating dementia.
    Bill received numerous awards and honors for his work. He won the prestigious Merriman Smith Award for his presidential reporting in 1995 and the Loeb Award for business writing in 1979, and was a runner-up for a Pulitzer Prize in 1979 for a newspaper series that he wrote on the impact of world trade. In 2007, he was elected president of the Gridiron Club, a select group of Washington journalists. The University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media recognized him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2018.
    Bill Neikirk was regarded by his colleagues as a consummate journalist—a dogged, thorough reporter and a clear and careful writer who took pains to explain what he was covering and strove to put each story in a larger context. Doyle McManus, former chief of the Los Angeles Times Washington bureau, called him “one of the finest White House reporters of modern times.”
    Bill’s family has established a scholarship at the University of Kentucky to help deserving high school students, particularly those from Estill County, obtain a college education. The grant, intended for communication majors, is based on three factors—scholarship, financial need, and location. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the William R. Neikirk Scholarship Fund, University of Kentucky, at the Gift Receiving Office, 210 Malabu Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40502, or at https://bit.ly/2xwienB.
    Further information and condolences can be found at the website of Advent Funeral Services at https://adventfuneral.com.

Advent Funeral Home

  Monday, August 24, 2020

    Danny Dwaine Bledsoe, age 54, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away at the University Of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington on Monday, August 24, 2020.
    He was born in Richmond June 26, 1966 to Ernest Sr. and Glenda Bledsoe.
    He is survived by his mother, Glenda Cole of Richmond; three daughters: Hillary Bledsoe of Irvine, Shyann Bledsoe and Sierra Bledsoe, both of White Oak; two grandchildren; five brothers: Scott Bledsoe, Ernest Bledsoe Jr., both of Irvine; Robert Bledsoe of Lexington, John Bledsoe of Richmond, and Jackie Bledsoe of Bessemer, Alabama; and a sister, Leona Dickerson of Richmond.
    He was preceded in death by his father Ernest Bledsoe Sr.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Grayson Funeral Home of Irvine is in charge of arrangements..

Grayson Funeral Home

  Friday, August 21, 2020

    Barbara Ann Mcteer, age 36, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Friday, August 21, 2020.
    She was born September 13, 1983 in Dayton, Ohio to William and Theresa Brinegar. She was a homemaker.
    Mrs. Mcteer is survived by her father, William Brinegar of Irvine; her mother, Theresa Scott of Daytona Beach, Florida; her husband, John Mcteer of Irvine; four sons: Johnathan Short, William Short, John Mcteer Jr., and Nolan Mcteer, all of Irvine; two daughters: Shynna Mcteer and Amabella Mcteer, both of Irvine; three brothers: Olan Brinegar of Dayton, Ohio; Kenny Thurber of Florida; and Nathineal Taylor of Dayton, Ohio; and a sister, Ann Walters of Indiana.
    Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the Grayson Funeral Home Chapel in Irvine. Friends visited Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.

Grayson Funeral Home

  Saturday, August 22, 2020

    Teddy Barker III, age 65, of Winchester, Kentucky, beloved husband and father, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020 at his home. He was a former pastor of Ivory Hill Baptist Church.
    He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Teresa Smith Barker.
    Mr. Barker was born to Barbara Musser Barker and the late Teddy Barker Jr. on April 3, 1955 in Ashland, Kentucky. He was a CPA and CFE. He was also the minister of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Winchester for many years. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as an Airborne Ranger.
    In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters: Lesley Barker Whitt (Ray) of Greenup; Leigh Anne Barker Karnes (Kevin), and Lindley Barker (Laken Neal) both of Winchester; two sons: Trey Barker (Krista Sexton) and Seth Barker (Victoria Mohr), both of Winchester; two sisters: Teresa “Teri” McKinney (Tom) of Northwood, Ohio; and Belinda “Jeannie” Wittich (Matthew) of Lexington; one brother, Randy Barker (Tania) of Lexington; one sister-in-law, Regina Barker of Lexington; four grandchildren: Gavin Whitt, Chloe Karnes, Noah Karnes, and Sean Karnes; and several nieces and nephews.
    He is preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Kelsey Karnes and his brother, Jack Barker.
    A celebration of life will be held at Christ Church of Winchester, 1691 Ironworks Road, Winchester, on Saturday, August 29, 2020, from 1-3 p.m.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Hospice East, 407 Shoppers Drive, Winchester, KY.

Scobee Funeral Home

  Sunday, August 23, 2020

    Linda Carolyn Phillips, age 77, of Red Lick Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020, at the Irvine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a short illness.
    She was born September 1, 1942 in Mercer County and was the daughter of the late Hurtle Thomas Scott and Laura Francis Horn Scott. She was a retired Crickoteer Sewing Factory employee and a member of the Bruner’s Chapel Baptist Church.
    Linda is survived by two sons: Robert Clinton Daugherty (Candy), Mayfield; and Kelvin Thomas Phillips (Richele), Irvine; one sister, Ruth Webster, Lexington; eight grandchildren: Clinton Daugherty, Angela Daugherty, Chris Daugherty, James Johnson, Chris Johnson, Katlyn Phillips, Wesley Phillips and Kaylee Phillips; two great grandchildren: Tinley Johnson and Zayah Johnson; and special friends: Jean and Carl Gripshover, Donna Lawson, Matt Scott and Georgia Jones.
    She was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Scott; and her companion of 20 years, Ronnie Williams.
    Friends called between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel, followed by private funeral services at 1:00 p.m. by Bro. Sherl Thomas.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, August 19, 2020

    Sandra Meade Baus, age 77, wife of Marvin S. Baus, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.
    Sandra was born August 28, 1942 in Oneida, Kentucky to the late Orville Wright and Esther Monson Meade. She was a graduate of Irvine High School (1960) and Centre College (1964), where she met her husband Marvin. They married in 1965 and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in February. After their marriage, she and Marvin lived in South Carolina for several years while Marvin served in the U.S. Navy. They then moved to Cleveland, Mississippi where they had two children, Roxanne Ellyn and Jonathan Alan. Upon returning to Irvine in 1978, Sandra served as a social worker in the community. She later returned to school and obtained her teaching degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Sandra was a pre-school teacher in Estill County for 17 years, and loved her students and watching them grow. She was a member of Irvine United Methodist Church. She was a wonderful mother and wife and will live forever in the hearts of her family.
    In addition to her husband, Marvin, and two children, Roxie (Stephen) and Jon (Lisa), she is survived by two brothers, Michael Meade (Janice) and Perry Meade (Penny), both of Irvine. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Annika (13), Linnea (13), Britta (8), Cameron (11) and Hayden (7), whom she loved with all her heart.
    Visitation will be held at Irvine United Methodist Church on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Irvine United Methodist Church, immediately followed by a brief graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Masks will be required by guests inside the church and appropriate precautions taken for the safety of all in attendance.
    Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home will handle the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Camp, Irvine United Methodist Church, or the Estill County Public Library.

Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home

  Thursday, August 20, 2020

    Audra Carolyn Ray Smallwood, age 82, of Hudson Mill Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020, at the Baptist Health Hospital in Lexington following a short illness.
    She was born September 12, 1937 in Morgan County and was the daughter of the late Hager M. and Juanita Amyx Ray. She was a retired teacher with the Estill County School System and a member of the Salem Baptist Church.
    Mrs. Smallwood was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Earnest “Bill” Smallwood.
    She is survived by, her daughter, Carrie Smallwood, Estill County; her stepson, Talmadge Smallwood, Powell County; one sister, Cheryleen Christie, Florida; and two grandchildren: Caroline Ray Asher and Charles Robert Asher.
    Mrs. Smallwood was preceded in death by three stepchildren: Fern Brewer, Phyllis Fraley, and Elmer Smallwood; and one sister, Darlyn Ray.
    Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Tuesday, August 25th at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home. Graveside services were held Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at the Grassy Creek Cemetery in West Liberty by Bro. Jerry Smith.
    Pallbearers were Charles Robert Asher, Hale Hutchinson and Jerry Ray.
    In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Salem Baptist Church, 4470 Spout Springs Road, Irvine, KY 40336.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, August 19, 2020

    Alex Ryan Crawford, age 26, husband of Cheyenne Clukey Crawford passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at his home.
    He was born on February 1, 1994, in Fayette County, Kentucky, to Ollie and Brenda Brinegar Crawford.
    In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sons, Waylon Crawford and Braxton Dunn; a sister, Lucy Warner (Jesse) of Winchester; two brothers: Eric Burton of Winchester and Anthony Crawford (Angela) of Bardstown; and several nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Chester and Ruby Brinegar; his paternal grandparents, Ollie T. and Exie Mae Tipton Crawford; and siblings, Hope and Tracy "TC" Burton.
    Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Brinegar Family Cemetery in Clark County by Pastor Billy Keller.
    Pallbearers will be Eric Burton, Anthony Crawford, Robert Glasson, Landon Hardy, Ryan Ballard and Justin Crawford.

Scobee Funeral Home

  Tuesday, August 18, 2020

    Bascom "Yogi" "Tody" Abney, age 84, of 405 Daniels Addition, Ravenna, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020 after a long illness.
    He was born September 9,1935 in Powell County to the late Rosie (West) and Riley Winchester Abney. He was a faithful member of the White Oak First Church Of God where he served as a board member and usher. He was retired from Cole Ford of Winchester and was a former employee of Puckett Ford in Irvine. He was a Kentucky Colonel. He served as a member of the Ravenna City Council for 25 years where he served also as Chaplain. He was a 57-year member of the Stafford Lodge F&AM.
    Mr. Abney is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nora Lee Smyth Abney; one daughter, Elizabeth Hughes (James Hood), one son, Barry Abney (Sonya), a grandson, Christopher Abney; four granddaughters: Deanna Abney, Sarah Pasley (Justin), Jerrica Everman (Brandon), and Timara Crabtree (Daniel); six great grandchildren, and a special nephew, Roy Dunaway.
    He was preceded in death by two sisters, Della Mae Morrison and Celia Dunaway, and one brother, Richard Abney.
    Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., at the White Oak First Church Of God with Brother Glyndon Woosley officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday at the church.
    Pallbearers are Earl Young, Walter Shuler, Jerry Stacy, David Harrison, James Gross, Gene Abney, Larry Frymyer, and Raymond Conrad.
    Honorary pallbearers are all the men of the White Oak Church and all his nephews and nieces.
    Lewis-Abner Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.

Lewis-Abner Home for Funerals

  Tuesday, August 18, 2020

    Norman F. Christopher, age 89, Frankfort, Kentucky, left The Christian Care Homeplace in Midway, Kentucky, to go to his new home in Heaven on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.
    He was born September 23, 1930 in Irvine, to the late Tom and Maude Christopher. He married the former Anne Dean of Owensboro, in 1952, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters: Paula Hornback (Ed) of Dexter, Michigan; and Phyllis Adams (Bill) of Frankfort; five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by his brother, Clyde Thomas Christopher.
    He was a faithful member of The First Baptist Church in Waverly, Ohio for 62 years; later a member of Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church in Midway.
    Chris, as he was known, was a 1952 graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro where he played basketball and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He received his Master's degree from Ohio University.
    He was employed by Goodyear Atomic Corp. in 1952, which was later sold to Lockheed Martin, in Piketon, Ohio and retired as Superintendent of Uranium Analytical Services after 40 years of service. He worked 20 more years as a consultant.
    Services will be private.
    Arrangements are under the care of Clark Legacy Center, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Clark Legacy Center of Frankfort

  Monday, August 17, 2020

    Earl Bernard Lyons, age 79, husband of Karen Swanson Lyons, passed away Monday, August 17, 2020.
    He was born September 24, 1940 in Lexington, Kentucky to the late William and Margaret Frances Wilson Lyons. Earl was a retired United States Marines Veteran, a retiree from the Lexington Police Department, and a former chief of police for the City of Irvine. He was the owner and operator of Heartbreak Ridge Farm Supply in Clay City.
    Survivors include his wife, Karen Lyons; three sons, Shane Earl Lyons (Jennifer), Ryan Bernard Lyons, and Perry Sullivan (Teresa); a daughter, Lisa Brown; a brother, Gerald Edward Lyons (Diane); a sister, Constance Yeager; ten grandchildren: Ashlee Carol Lyons, Zachary Earl Lyons, Mark Travis Brown, Trisha Barrows, Crystal Shackleford; Nick Sullivan, Joe Sullivan, Matt Newsome, Christian Sullivan, and Brittney Thomas; eight great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William Robert Sullivan; and two brothers, Charles Lyons and Billy Lyons.
    Services will be held Friday, August 21, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Davis & Davis Funeral Home, 777 West College Avenue, Stanton. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20th, 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Davis and Davis Funeral Home