John Winston Roby Sr., 81, of Bardstown, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at Baptist Health Louisville. He was born July 21, 1945, in Cox’s Creek to the late William Earl and Mary Elizabeth Abell Roby.
He was a dedicated employee of Heaven Hill Distillery for 59 years and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a proud veteran of the Army National Guard, serving in Vietnam in the Charlie Battery 2nd Battalion 138th Artillery.
He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Bardstown-Nelson County Fire Department for 33 years. Upon retirement, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially sitting in his backyard watching nature, and he also enjoyed watching UK football games.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Roby and Jim Bill Roby.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Monin Roby; two sons, John W. Roby Jr. (Kelly) and Sean Roby (Margaret); five grandchildren, Cambron Roby, Lauren Moore (Jackson), Ethan Roby (McKenna), Campbell Hood (Adam) and Ainsley Roby; and one great-grandson, Roman Roby.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with the Rev. Terry Bradshaw officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, and 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home with a 3 p.m. Sunday prayer service.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the WHAS Crusade for Children.
The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
-30-