Ballard-Carlisle Historical and Genealogical Society

Ballard-Carlisle Historical and Genealogical Society Dedicated to keeping the history of Ballard and Carlisle Counties available for future generations.

09/15/2026

Lunette Price Spinks, of Kevil, Kentucky, passed away on September 13, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah. Born in Paducah on December 3, 1940, she was the daughter of Charles Wilson Price and Mary Frances Sanderfer.

Lunette was a cherished member of Newton Creek Baptist Church and proudly owned Spinks Western Wear for many years. She had a passion for fishing and was an enthusiastic UK Wildcats fan.

Gifted musically, Lunette played the piano and guitar by ear. Her greatest pride was her beloved family.

She is survived by her daughter, LeAnn Slife and husband, Nathan, of Kevil; and four grandchildren, Zach Moss, Cole Moss, Kynadee Slife, and Brystil Slife.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Tommy and Charles Price; her sister, Ina McKinney; and her parents.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 11am, at Newton Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

09/15/2026

Jackie Dunn Allen, of Paducah, KY, passed away peacefully at Mercy Health Hospital on September 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 19, 1962, in Alton, Illinois, to Lewis Wayne Dunn and Mary Nell Gough Dunn.

Jackie's early years were marked by travels to Sumter, South Carolina, England, Germany, and California, before she settled in Ballard and McCracken Counties, where she made her home.

A graduate of Ballard Memorial High School in 1980, Jackie went on to work with dedication at Jackson Purchase Energy and the McCracken County Circuit Court Clerk.

Her life was filled with love for her family, and she is survived by her father, Lewis Wayne Dunn of Paducah; one sister, Keena Miller of Murray; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her mother, Mary Nell Dunn; her sister, Rhonda McGee; and her brother, Terry Dunn.

Graveside services are scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at Pleasant Hill Cemetery officiated by Rev. Chris Cooper.

Expressions of sympathy may take place in the form of donations to Lifeline Ministries, 8650 Old Highway 60, West Paducah KY 42086.

09/15/2026

Lisa Anne Walker Poole, of Wickliffe, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2026, 10:50 a.m., at Lourdes Hospice Care in Paducah, Kentucky, after a long battle with cancer. She was born April 1, 1961, in Clinton, Kentucky, to Jay and Judith Walker.

Lisa lived a life filled with family, friends, and love. She was a lover of nature and the outdoors—an adventurer always ready to travel, kayak, and see the world. She found happiness in nearly everything and was known for her spunky spirit and sweet smile. Often surrounded by animals, she brought joy to everyone in her presence and loved with her whole heart. The love she had for her husband was unmistakable, shown in every smile. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she will be missed beyond words.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Poole; her daughters, Candace Jackson (Brett) and and Whitney Hinzman (Mitchell); her grandchildren, Dillon Jackson, Addison Jackson, Rylie Brooks, and Cutler Hinzman; a brother, Tim Walker(Amanda); and her nephews, Junior Walker (Amanda) and Chris Walker (Jamie).

She was preceded in death by her son, Josh Russell, and her parents.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, September 20th, 10 a.m., at Wickliffe Cemetery in Wickliffe, Kentucky.

Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe is in charge of arrangements.

09/11/2026
09/10/2026

Nancy Jean Golightly Griffin, of Kevil, Kentucky, passed away surrounded by the love and memories of the family who meant so much to her. She was born January 20, 1941, to Eugene Golightly and Lura Mae Miller.

Nancy was a longtime and faithful member of Providence Baptist Church, where her faith and her church family were an important part of her life.

Throughout the years, Nancy worked outside the home and took pride in the life she built and the responsibilities she carried. But of all the roles she held throughout her life, her best and most cherished role was that of a grandmother.

Nancy loved her family deeply. She found joy in the simple things that brought people together, and she especially loved baking and sharing what she made with the people she loved. Her home, her kitchen, and her heart were places where family was always welcome. She leaves behind countless memories of her love, laughter, baked goods, and the special place she held in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Nancy's greatest legacy was not found in a job title or material possessions, but in the family she loved so dearly. She gave many years to working, caring for others, and building a life with her husband, but her greatest happiness came from watching her family grow. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought a special joy to her life, and the love she poured into them will continue through the generations.

Nancy will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, proud great-grandmother, faithful church member, and a woman who loved her family with all her heart.
Though she is no longer here to bake one more treat, give one more hug, or gather her family around her, the memories she created will remain—passed down from one generation to the next, just as surely as the love she gave them.

Her greatest work was loving her family. Her greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind.

She is survived by her son, David Griffin II and his wife, Bobbie; her daughter, Katherine Lacy and her husband, Bill; her grandchildren, Christopher Emerson, Jessica Emerson, Jenny Ravens, Sara Jean Griffin, Alexandria Griffin, and Dee Dee Brooke Griffin; siblings Lisa Golightly Duckworth and Kenny Golightly; and great grandchildren, Parker Emerson, Brylie Ravens, Caiden Vance, Cara Coble, LaCaine Mitchell, Carmen Robertson, Harper Bartholomew, and Jenson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, David Griffin; a brother, Eddie Golightly; a nephew, Michael Chad Miller; and her parents.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September, 12, 2026 at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center from 10:00 a.m. until funeral time at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Glen Crowe will officiate service followed by interment at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

09/10/2026

Peggy Ellen Lewis Wood, of Wingo, Kentucky, passed away on September 7, 2026, at Clinton-Hickman ICF and peacefully entered her eternal home, where she now rests in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She was born September 9, 1948, to Russell John and Lula Mazie Lewis.

For 62 years, Peggy shared life and marriage with her beloved husband, Rodger. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and love. For 55 of those years, Peggy faithfully served alongside Rodger as a preacher’s wife. She embraced that role wholeheartedly, always supporting her husband and loving the people God placed in their path. She was truly a Proverbs 31 wife, devoted to her husband, her home, and her family.

Peggy loved her church, Burkley Baptist Church, and her church family held a very special place in her heart. Her faith was more than something she practiced on Sundays; it was woven into the way she lived, loved, and cared for others. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, and her faith was at the center of everything she did.

Above all else, Peggy loved her family. She loved them with all of her soul and found great joy in taking care of them. She had a gift for making a house a home, and there was no better expression of her love than the food that came from her kitchen. Peggy was a phenomenal cook, and the meals she prepared were made with the same love and attention she gave to everything else in her life.

Peggy was also a woman who took great pride in herself and her home. She was modest, polished, and always put together. Her hair was done, her makeup was done, and her clothes were just right-even if she was simply running to the store. She always had her purse with her and took great care in keeping both it and her home just the way she liked them. She appreciated things being done a certain way and had an eye for the little details that others might overlook. Even her socks had to be on the correct foot!

Those who knew Peggy best also knew her wonderful dry sense of humor. She could make people laugh without ever having to try too hard. She often joked that one day she was going to be a race car driver, which made perfect sense to anyone who had ever ridden in the car with her-because Peggy certainly knew how to drive fast!

But behind all those little things that made Peggy uniquely Peggy was a woman with an enormous heart. She was a faithful wife, a devoted family woman, a loving church member, and a woman who genuinely loved the Lord. She gave her time, her talents, her love, and her whole heart to the people and things that mattered most to her.

Her family will miss her deeply, but they can take comfort in knowing that the woman who spent her life loving and serving the Lord has now received the promise she believed in so faithfully.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Rodger Wood; daughter, Michelle (Tim) Walker of Wingo; son, Michael Wood of Pryorsburg, Kentucky; sister, Nancy Carroll of Metropolis; brothers, Russell (Luanne) Lewis of Metropolis, and Gary Lewis of St. Louis; seven grandchildren, Nate (Christina) Wood, Tiffany Walker, Brooke (Justin) Clapp, Nicole (Mitchell) Tynes, Trent (Stephanie Gore) Wood, Logan Wood, and Taylar Watts; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her sisters, Linda Lewis and Ellen Lewis, and her parents.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service time of 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell, with Bro. Jim Rundles officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the form of contributions to Burkley Baptist Church, PO Box 206, Columbus KY 42032.

08/31/2026

Kent Bohanon, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on August 29, 2026. He was born on May 7, 1980 to John Bohanon and Carolyn Deason.

Kent lived his life with an extraordinary love for his family, an unwavering loyalty to his friends, and a genuine desire to make life better for the people around him. To know Kent was to know someone who loved deeply, gave generously, laughed loudly, and showed up-again and again-for the people who mattered to him. He was the kind of person whose presence filled a room, whose friendship could always be counted on, and whose absence will be felt more deeply than words can express.

Kent was a 1998 graduate of St. Mary’s High School and went on to graduate from Murray State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a Master of Business Administration. He was the proud owner of Kent Bohanon State Farm Agency, where he earned the professional designations of Chartered Financial Consultant and Retirement Income Professional. Kent took great pride in his career, but even more importantly, he cared deeply about the people he served and the relationships he built along the way.

One of the most meaningful parts of Kent’s professional life was his involvement with his State Farm DHC study group. What began as a group of colleagues grew over the years into something far more important-a brotherhood and a second family. These men walked beside Kent through multiple seasons of life, offering encouragement, guidance, accountability, laughter, friendship, and unwavering support. They were there for the professional challenges and successes, but their bond reached far beyond work. They supported Kent throughout his personal and spiritual journey as well, and he valued their friendship above all else. Kent genuinely looked forward to their meetings, conversations, shared experiences, and time of fellowship. He treasured the trust they shared and the ability to learn from one another, laugh together, challenge one another, and simply do life together. To Kent, the DHC was never just a professional group. These men had become family, and their friendship held a very special place in his heart.

Kent was a member of Lone Oak First Baptist Church, where his faith was reflected not only in his involvement with the church, but in the way he lived his life. Kent had a servant’s heart and freely gave his time and energy to others. Whether volunteering at church, coaching soccer and basketball through Upward, helping a friend, supporting a family member, or simply seeing a need and stepping in to meet it, Kent was always willing to help. For him, caring for others was not something he talked about-it was simply who he was.

Kent’s Wednesday morning Bible study group became an especially meaningful part of his faith journey. Kent thrived on the encouragement, friendship, and fellowship he found among these men. Their weekly time together strengthened his walk with Christ and gave him a place to grow in his faith alongside friends he deeply respected and cared for. Kent treasured those Wednesday mornings-the conversations, the prayers, the laughter, the honest discussions, and the opportunity to encourage and be encouraged by others. Those friendships were his rock and became another source of strength, accountability, and love in his life.

Above everything else, Kent loved his family.

His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment in life was being a father to Jayce and Reese. There was nothing he loved more than being their dad. He cherished the ordinary moments with them just as much as the milestones-the conversations, the laughter, the family trips, the practices, the games, and all the time spent together.

Kent rarely missed an opportunity to be there for his children. He loved sitting in the stands, cheering them on, encouraging them, coaching them, and watching them grow into the people they are today. He was endlessly proud of Jayce and Reese-not simply for what they accomplished, but for who they were. Their interests became his interests, their successes brought him tremendous joy, and their happiness mattered to him more than anything in the world. He believed in them completely and loved them beyond measure. Being their father was the role he treasured most.

Kent shared 20 years of marriage with his loving wife, Tracy. Together they built a life centered around their family, their children, their friends, and countless memories that will forever be treasured. Kent and Tracy truly were an unstoppable team-partners in every sense of the word. They shared a love of travel, adventure, and new experiences, always looking forward to the next place they would go, the next memory they would make, and the next story they would have to tell. Whether exploring somewhere new or simply navigating the everyday joys and challenges of life, they did it side by side. They built a beautiful life together, one filled with laughter, friendship, family, adventure, and a love that grew deeper through every season.

Kent also had an incredible gift for bringing people together. Kent was fiercely loyal to those he loved. Family and friends knew he was in their corner. He was dependable, protective, generous, and always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, share a meal, make you laugh, or simply be there when you needed him. He loved cooking and took great pride in preparing meals for the people he cared about. For Kent, food was another way of showing love. He enjoyed entertaining friends and family, gathering people around a table, playing music, telling stories, laughing, and making sure everyone was having a good time.

Music was a constant source of enjoyment for Kent, and his charismatic and outgoing personality made him unforgettable. He truly was the life of the party. His laugh, his sense of humor, his stories, his larger-than-life personality, and the way he could make people feel welcome will be remembered by so many.

But beneath that outgoing personality was an incredibly caring and sentimental heart. Kent loved his people fiercely. He valued lifelong friendships, treasured his family, and never hesitated to tell others how proud he was of the people he loved. His loyalty was unwavering, his generosity came naturally, and there was very little he would not do for someone he cared about.

Kent leaves behind a life that cannot be measured simply by years, professional accomplishments, or titles. His legacy is found in the people he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the children he adored, the lives he touched, the laughter he created, and the countless memories that will continue to be shared for years to come.

He will be remembered as an extraordinary father, a loving husband and family man, a devoted son and brother, a loyal friend, and a person who made life brighter and more fun simply by being part of it.

Those who loved Kent would give anything for more time-one more conversation, one more meal around the table, one more game together, one more song, one more laugh. His loss leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of his family and friends, but the love he gave so freely throughout his life will remain with them forever.

Kent was deeply loved. He will be profoundly missed. And he will never, ever be forgotten.

Kent is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Tracy Perkinson Bohanon; his beloved children, Jayce and Reese Bohanon; his parents, John (Brenda) Bohanon and Carolyn Bohanon; his sister, Laura (Todd) Duff of Paducah; and his father- and mother-in-law, Greg and Phyllis Perkinson, along with many extended family members and dear friends who loved him deeply.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’”
- John 11:25-26

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Heartland Church with Dr. Scott Thomas officiating.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until the 6:00 pm service time on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Heartland Church.

08/28/2026

Kelly Wilkins passed away on August 26, 2026, at his residence in Bandana, Kentucky.

Born on August 20, 1954, in Benton, Kentucky, to William J. Wilkins and Emma Jean Thompson Wilkins, Kelly lived a life marked by courage, passion, and an adventurous spirit that touched everyone who knew him. He carried himself with quiet strength and a steady kindness, and he was the kind of man who could be counted on in both ordinary moments and times of need. Those who loved him will remember his warm presence, his strong work ethic, and the deep devotion he showed to his family, friends, church, and community.

Kelly retired from the Paducah City School System, where he served faithfully as a custodian. He took pride in his work and understood the value of serving others with humility and consistency. His years in the school system reflected the dependable character for which he was known. He attended the Bandana Community Church, where his faith and fellowship were an important part of his life. In addition, he was a member and past Master of the Grahamville Masonic Lodge #707 F&AM, an association that reflected his commitment to brotherhood, service, and tradition.

Kelly was especially well known for his love of sports and his dedication to young people. He was one of the first organizers of Fast Pitch Softball at Paducah Tilghman High School and served as assistant coach from 1996 to 2000. He was also an assistant coach for Travel Ball for various teams for several years, sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and enthusiasm with countless players. He believed in hard work, teamwork, and the value of helping young athletes grow both on and off the field. His influence reached far beyond the scoreboard, and many will remember him as a coach who cared deeply and led by example.

He also enjoyed volunteering with 4-H in the Kentucky State Horse Show alongside his daughter, an experience that reflected both his love for family and his willingness to give his time to meaningful causes. Kelly found joy in being involved, in supporting others, and in creating memories that would last long after the events themselves had ended. His life was enriched by the many roles he embraced, and he approached each one with dedication and heart.

He was a proud husband, father, and grandfather, and his family was the center of his world. The love he gave them was steady and enduring, and the memories they shared will remain a lasting source of comfort and strength.

Kelly is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debbie Creason Wilkins; his daughters, Ashley Zortman (Gary) of Louisville, and Sarah Smith (Matthew) of Symsonia, Kentucky; and his three grandchildren, Hailey Zortman, Bailey Smith, and Lainey Smith.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Cooper Smith, and his parents. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he carried their influence with him throughout the years.

Kelly will be remembered for his steadfast nature, his generous spirit, and the many ways he served others throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, leadership, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, starting at 11am, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Funeral services with Masonic Rites will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Curtis Creason and Rev. Wesley Peeler officiating. Burial will follow at Harmony Cemetery.

08/28/2026

Charles Ray Redden, of Wickliffe, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. He was born March 26, 1941, in Berkley, Kentucky, to Charles Burnley Redden and Rachael Holder Redden.

Charles proudly served his country as an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and his service remained one of the great honors of his life. Upon returning home, he spent many years as a riverboat captain, later worked in the railroad shop, and finished his career at the Ballard County Jail. He also served as Chief of the Blandville Rural Fire Department, giving much of his life to the safety and service of his community.

He was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church.

He and his wife, Fredia Redden, shared 56 years of marriage before her passing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fredia; his sisters, Norma Jean Redden Weatherford and Donna Jane Redden; and his parents;

Charles is survived by his daughter, Debbie Underwood; his son, Jeffery Redden; his granddaughter, Lindsey Charles Bodell; his grandson, Layne Redden; his great-granddaughter, Charlee Shea Bodell; his brother, Tommy Redden of Fulton, Tennessee; and his parents.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, 1:00 PM, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe with Bro. Zeke Hobbs officiating. A private burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Visitation will also be held on Friday, 11:00 AM until the service hour of 1:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 2251 Blandville Rd, Wickliffe KY 42087.

08/28/2026

Belinda Wilson Turner, of Bardwell, died Friday night at Countryside Health Care in Bardwell. She was born June 23, 1932, daughter of Otis J. Wilson and Beatrice (Hobbs) Wilson.

The oldest member of St. Charles Catholic Church, she was a seamstress for many years. She also worked at Calloway Senior Citizens and Carlisle County Senior Citizens.

She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn (Phillip) Dowdy of Bardwell; two granddaughters, Sandra Dowdy of Bardwell and Sheila Dowdy (Taylor Reynolds) of Las Vegas, Nevada; six great-grandchildren, Thomas Dowdy of Bardwell, Jake Beasley of Bardwell, Keegan (Lee) Beasley of Paducah, Debra (Jackson) Sanderson of Paducah, Dakota (Cat) Reynolds of Hickory, and Jamie (Joseph) Marlar of Martin, Tennessee; and eight great-great-grandchildren: Athena Ridemour, Chandler Reynolds, Easton Beasley, Elizabeth Hutson, Ava Malar, Ada Marlar, Joseph Jr. Marlar, and Ana Marlar.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd Turner; a son, David Turner; five brothers, William Joe Wilson, Albert Wilson, Tom Wilson, John Otis Wilson, and James E. Wilson; a sister, Iva Johnson; a grandson-in-law, Dennis Hodges; and her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bardwell, Kentucky, with Rev. Sinoj Pynadath HGN officiating. Burial will follow at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the service hour of 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. Charles Catholic Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to the St. Charles Catholic Church Building Fund, 6922 KY 408, Bardwell KY 42023.

Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell is in charge of arrangements.

Address

PO Box 279, 257 N 4th Street
Wickliffe, KY
42087

Opening Hours

9am - 4pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ballard-Carlisle Historical and Genealogical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share