Willis Royce Kilgore, 79, of Bardstown, died Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Norton Hospital in Louisville. He was born on May 27, 1947, in Abbeville, Miss., to Izona and William Doyle Kilgore.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Hs loved the Lord and was a devoted Deacon of First Baptist Church Bardstown.
He was a devoted family man who cherished the people he loved. Throughout his life, he created countless memories and touched the lives of many, he will be remembered for the love he shared with his family, the relationships he built, and the legacy he leaves behind.
He held a special place in his heart for his special ladies, Bonnie Spalding, Dorothy Brewer, and Pam Livers and his church family.
His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew him. His legacy will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all those whose lives he touched.
Though his presence will be deeply missed, the memories, love, and lessons he shared will remain forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Izona and William Doyle Kilgore; one son, Kerwin Royce Kilgore; one sister, Ivy Jean Gillespie; and two brothers Murray Kilgore and Edwin Kilgore.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years , Bobbie Jean Kilgore; his four children, Carletta Kilgore, Kenyon (Sharan) Payton-Kilgore, Danieal (Rodney) Miller, and Ebony Lawless, all of Louisville; three sisters, Lanetta Thomas and Brenda (Larry) Bolton-Jones, both of Grand Rapids, Mich. and Ivy Kelly of Phoenix, Ariz.; seven brothers, William Kilgore, Lloyd (Rita) Kilgore, Jimmy (Angelique) Kilgore, Theodore (Linda) Kilgore and Donald Robinson, all of Grand Rapids, Mich., Michael Bolton of Bardstown and Kenny Dale McIntosh of Abbeville, Miss.; three aunts, Hue belle Driver of Chicago, Birta Mae Byrd and Alma Virginia Adams, both of Beloit Wisc.; two uncles, Ardie T. Byrd (Opal) of Crystal, Minn., Walter (Lula Grace) Kilgore of Grand Rapids Mich.; 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
The funeral is noon Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Bardstown with Pastor Michael N. Smith officiating.
Visitation is 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at the church.
The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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