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.

06/10/2026

James “Jimmie” Edward Carter passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Baptist Health Paducah. Jimmie built a remarkable legacy of faith, service, dedication, and love. Though he was 101 years old, he remained grateful for every blessing in his life and looked forward to celebrating what would have been his 102nd birthday on June 12.

A graduate of Arlington High School, Jimmie answered his nation’s call to duty during World War II when he was drafted into the United States Army. Before departing for military service, he married Patricia, the love of his life, beginning a marriage that would serve as the foundation of a lifetime of devotion. During the war, James served honorably in the European Theater, earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his courage and sacrifice. In recognition of his service, he was recently selected to participate in the World War II Honor Flight from Louisville to Washington, D.C., where he received a hero’s welcome both upon departure and upon his return, a fitting tribute to a true American hero.

After returning home to Arlington, Jimmie built a life centered on family, faith, work, and community. He joined IBEW Local 816 and remained a proud member for more than 75 years. Throughout his career and beyond, he generously shared his knowledge and skills, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Jimmie also devoted many years of service to Citizens Deposit Bank, serving as a director from 1976 until 2013 and eventually as Chairman of the Board. His steady leadership, integrity, and commitment helped guide the institution for decades.

His dedication to his community extended through numerous organizations. He was a 75-year member of the Bardwell Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Denver Hudgens VFW, and a lifelong member of Arlington First Baptist Church, where his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Above all else, Jimmie was devoted to his family. He was a man who never took life’s blessings for granted and was known for his sincere appreciation, kind spirit, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. Family was his greatest treasure, and he found immense joy in spending time with those closest to him.

Jimmie made the most of every season of life, enjoying time outdoors, traveling to new places, and making memories with family and friends. He loved golfing, hunting, fishing, and traveling. Over the years, he visited all 50 states, creating memories and friendships wherever he went. Among his favorite destinations was South Padre Island, Texas, a place that brought him great happiness and relaxation.

Jimmie lived a life defined by service, humility, hard work, and gratitude. His example of faith, patriotism, generosity, and devotion to family leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, church family, fellow veterans, and the countless lives he touched throughout his extraordinary 101 years.

Jimmie’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the caregivers who helped take care of him throughout his life. Jimmie was always appreciative and thankful for each effort of helpfulness and concern directed towards him.

Jimmie is survived by his daughter, Gina Webb of Arlington; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Donna) Webb of Arlington, Jerod Webb of Bardwell, Kyle (Misty) Webb of Arlington, and Johnna (Davey) Martin of Arlington; six great-grandchildren, Demetri (Kendall) Morris, Alaunah Martin, Easton Martin, Olivia Webb, Carter Webb, Riley Webb, and Alexa Hagan; and two great-great- grandchildren, Braxton Morris and Myiah Morris.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Carter; his parents, Willis Carter and Etta Carter; his son, John Carter; son-in-law, Keith Webb; one sister, Anna Bess Owen; four brothers, Buster Carter, JC Carter, Charles Carter, and WC Carter Jr.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Arlington with Bro. Rick Burton officiating, beginning with Masonic Rites. Burial will follow with military rites at Arlington Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the service time of 1:00 pm also on Wednesday at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Arlington.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or to Rizpah Shriners, 3300 Hanson Road, Madisonville KY 42431.

06/10/2026

James Wilson, known to many as Jim, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Jim was born on May 7, 1937, to the late Otis and Beatrice Hobbs Wilson and was raised in the St. Charles Community of Carlisle County, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and neighborly kindness that guided him throughout his life. Jim carried those lessons with him in all that he did, and he was respected by those who knew him for his steady presence, warm spirit, and quiet strength.

He was a devoted Catholic and a faithful member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. His faith was an important part of his life, and it shaped the way he treated others with humility, patience, and compassion.

Jim was a U.S. Army veteran who had served during the Vietnam War. He built a long and honorable career as a route salesman for Partin Sausage, from which he retired after 29 years. He was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and the friendly manner he brought to his work. Over the years, he formed many lasting connections through his career, and he took pride in doing his job well and serving others with consistency and care.

In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. These interests brought him peace and satisfaction, and they reflected his appreciation for the outdoors and for working with his hands.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, JoAnn Kaufman McHughes Wilson; a granddaughter, Brittney McHughes of Clarksville, Tennessee; his honorary grandson, Max Sturm and his parents, Pete and Kerie Sturm of Paducah, whose Catholic faith he lovingly helped build and nurture; his sister, Belinda Turner of Bardwell; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, James McHughes; a sister, Ivia Johnson; four brothers, John Wilson, William Wilson, Charles Wilson, and Thomas Wilson; and his parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Rev. Bruce Fogle officiating. Burial will follow at St. Charles Catholic Church Cemetery in Bardwell, Kentucky.

Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, 10am until the service hour of 11am, at the church.

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

06/09/2026

Lori Hite, a cherished member of the Bandana Community Church and a devoted volunteer at His House Ministries, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY. Born on January 4, 1964, in Paducah, Kentucky, Lori lived a life marked by kindness, community spirit, and a deep love for her family and interests.

She was known in her community not only for her faith and service but also for her warm heart and generous nature. Lori found joy in collecting Barbies and stuffed animals, treasures that reflected her nurturing soul. She was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for Stephen King books, and delighted in spending time watching movies. Passionate about sports, she was a devoted fan of the Cardinals Baseball team. Music was also a significant part of her life, where she found comfort and happiness listening to The Beatles and the Bee Gees.

Lori’s family was central to her life. She is survived by one brother, Randy Hite and his wife, Valorie, of Bandana; two sisters, Terre Cooper of Kevil, and Deena Myatt and her husband, Charlie, of Barlow; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who all held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Laura Jean Mills Hite, and one sister, Gail Berringer.

A visitation to honor Lori’s memory will be held on June 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Bob Cain officiating. Interment will follow at Barlow Cemetery.

Lori Hite’s thoughtful spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, faith, and dedication to those around her will continue to inspire her family, friends, and community for years to come.

06/07/2026

Sally, Claudette and Sandy did a beautiful job of hosting the reception for the Ft. Jefferson descendants yesterday. Sally went way and above to make the meal attractive and delicious!

06/05/2026

Clyde Cooper, of Paducah, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Metropolis Rehabilitation and Health Care in Metropolis, IL. He was born in Ballard County, KY, on August 17, 1929, to Doris and Lillian (Yancey) Cooper.

In his younger years, he worked in a sawmill and was a jack of all trades who could fix just about anything. Clyde retired after 28 years in maintenance at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. A farmer at heart, he raised cows, chickens, goats, and peacocks, and was also a beekeeper. Clyde would process deer and hog meat on the side. He enjoyed goose hunting trips to Canada, watching UK Basketball, and listening to Gospel music.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Patricia Ann Cooper of Paducah; two sons, Roger Cooper (Rhonda) of Kevil, and Jeff Cooper (Michelle) of Kevil; a stepson, Dennis Cherry (Chrystal) of Grand Rivers; and a stepdaughter, Lisa Hawkins (Darren) of Paducah.

Clyde was preceded in death by his daughter, Sheila Gray, and his parents.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 7, 2026, after 12:00 p.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center.

Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Neil Eidson officiating. Interment will follow at Oscar Community Cemetery in Oscar.

The family extends their gratitude to Mercy Health/Compassus Hospice and the staff at Metropolis Nursing & Rehabilitation for their excellent care of Clyde.

06/02/2026

Fran Crews Dickerson, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, went home to be with the Lord at 1:51 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Surrounded by faith, Fran passed peacefully, comforted by the grace of God and the prayers of those who loved her.

Fran was born on March 3, 1949, the daughter of Ralph Rogers Crews and Kitty Ann Pool Horn. She was known for her independence, determination, and strong will- a fact her physical therapist could certainly attest to. Throughout her life, she faced challenges with remarkable strength and resilience. Even through her many medical struggles, she fought valiantly until the very end, never losing the spirit that defined her.

She found happiness in life’s simple blessings: planting flowers, watching the birds outside her window, spending precious time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and adoring her beloved Pomeranians. Her home and heart were always filled with love, and her family was the center of her world.

Fran’s faith carried her through life’s trials and ultimately led her home. While her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Fran will be remembered for her strength, her unwavering love for her family, and the legacy of perseverance and faith she leaves behind.

She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Tammy Mayo; her grandson, Justin Mayo (Brittany) of La Center; and her two cherished great-grandchildren, Tucker and Lochlyn, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her siblings, Rickie Graves of Fort Wayne Indiana, Amanda (Doug) Ford of West Paducah, and Regina (Mike) Davidson of Calvert City, along with many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Bradley Mayo, and her sister, Linda Holt.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Lindsey Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

06/02/2026

Travis Wayne Gibson, surrounded by family, peacefully passed away on May 29, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Travis, or ‘Bub’ as his family and close friends called him, was born on September 2, 1955, to Kenneth and Irma Gibson. He lived most of his life on the Gibson family farm in the Ragland community and was a member of Newton Creek Baptist Church.

A 1973 graduate of Heath High School, Travis began work in the HVAC-R industry. Travis cut his teeth working for Asher Heating & Air before transitioning to the sales and distribution side of the industry. Throughout his career, he specialized in commercial refrigeration and became a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend to countless technicians. In 2007, he realized one of his dreams when he started his own company, Gibson Refrigeration. After overcoming major health challenges, Travis returned to work in the supply houses where he closed out a career that spanned five decades.

In addition to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, he took great pride in being a farmer. In all his work, he maintained an “If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right” attitude. There was nothing he couldn’t fix or figure out.

When not at work, working on something in his garage, or riding around on his John Deere Gator, Travis could be found in his living room recliner enjoying a NASCAR race, a college basketball game, or an episode of Barnwood Builders. He was a loyal fan of Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the Kentucky Wildcats.

He enjoyed spending time with, or talking to, those he loved. Most of the time, his conversations would involve some sort of advice including, “Well, if it were me, I would…”, “Sometimes, you just have to slow up to hurry up.”, “I tell you what do,…”, or “Grab that concrete block, sit it under the shade tree, sit on it, and think on it for a while.”

While he took great pride in being a farmer, his greatest pride came in being a husband, dad, and PawPaw.

Travis is survived by his wife, Michelle Gibson of Kevil; his son, Jeff (Jessica) Gibson of Kevil; his daughter, Amanda (Jared) Hendrix; granddaughters Magnolia Gibson and Autumn Hendrix; one sister, Melanie (Ray) Massie of Paducah; one brother, Brian (Ronda) Gibson of Kevil; as well as nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Morrow Funeral Chapel in La Center.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, 1:00 pm, also at Morrow Funeral Chapel, with visitation from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Reverend Jeffrey A. Gibson will officiate.

Interment will follow at Newton Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

05/31/2026

Paul A. Blaine, a devoted educator, dedicated farmer, and beloved member of his community, passed away on May 28, 2026, at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY. Born on June 26, 1939, in Ballard County, to Vester and Marie Evelyn Biggs Blaine, Paul’s life was a testament to steadfast commitment, both to his family and his community.

Paul graduated from Ballard Memorial High School, where he distinguished himself not only academically but also athletically as a basketball player. His talent on the court earned him a full scholarship during his freshman year to East Texas State College, where he continued to pursue his passion for basketball.

A lifelong resident of Ballard County, Paul devoted 27 years of service as a science teacher at Ballard County Middle School before retiring in 1989. His influence extended beyond the classroom walls; he was also a dedicated farmer, contributing to the agricultural heritage of the region. Throughout his life, Paul was a member of Pleasant Valley Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Paul shared a remarkable bond with his wife, Ellen Sanford Blaine, to whom he was married for 65 years. Together, they relished many cherished moments, particularly spending their winter months fishing in Florida and Kansas over three decades. Paul’s love of the outdoors was further expressed in numerous hunting excursions to Wyoming and Canada, adventures that brought him great joy and memorable experiences.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Ellen Blaine of Kevil: two brothers, Linford Blaine (Patricia) of Kevil, and Marvin Blaine of West Paducah.

Preceding him in death was his son, David Blaine; his brother, Jimmy Blaine; and his parents.

A graveside service to honor Paul’s life and memory will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Neil Eidson officiating.

05/29/2026

Gary Hudson, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Paducah. He was born on April 24, 1944, in Cairo, Illinois, to Edwin and Helen Cole Hudson.

Gary was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #181 as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed camping and driving his motor home across country, staying at different campgrounds with his wife. He liked hunting and was an avid NASCAR fan. Gary’s greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Rosary Chapel Catholic Church

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Paducah for the excellent care that they gave to Gary during his illness.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Paula Lane Hudson; daughters, Kelly Bowman of Arlington, and Bridget (Brad) Robertson of Paducah; sons, Richard Hudson of Arlington, and Jeff (Tiffany) Griffith of Paducah; sister, Gayle Young of Clinton; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Lane Barker of Paducah, Connie Hudson of West Paducah, and Lisa Lane Summers of Laverne, Tennessee.

Gary was preceded in death by his infant son, Austin Neal Hudson; his brother, Steve Hudson; and his parents.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, 1:00 p.m., at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Father Jude Okeoma and Rev. David Dixon officiating. Burial will follow at Columbus Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Rosary Chapel Catholic Church, 711 Ohio Street, Paducah KY 42003.

05/27/2026

John Plumley, of Bandana, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 30, 1973, in Evergreen, IL, to John Lee and Vickey June (Ledbetter) Plumley.

John was a true man of God, he lived his days on earth as a faithful servant, helping others around him at every opportunity. He thrived in ministering to others and leading others to Christ worldwide. John took part in mission trips frequently to spread the word of God.

John was an amazing son, brother, husband, and father and was determined to raise his family in a way that was pleasing to God. John served as a member and Deacon of First Baptist Church of LaCenter. He graciously accepted many roles within the church throughout his years as a member. John was a Gideon and often ministered through distribution of New Testament Bibles.

John's joy in life was centered around his children, Johnny, Jessica, Joshua and Junie. Also, spending time with his grandchildren, John Michael, Chelsea and Connor, and soon to be Hank. John was a family man who was greatly inspired by his grandfather, Norman Ledbetter. Every part of his life was geared by God and his family.

John had been employed for many years at Cole Lumber.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lynn Plumley of Bandana; two sons, John Lee Plumley (Kelsie) of La Center, and Joshua Plumley of Bandana; two daughters, Jessica Lynn (Plumley) Hickson (Tanner) of Ledbetter, and Junie Rose Plumley of Bandana; his parents, John and Vickey Plumley of Bandana; three brothers, Joseph Lee Plumley (Ashley) of Metropolis, Jessie Plumley (Sierra) of Jackson, MO, Matthew Plumley of Murphysboro, IL; four sisters, Julie Plumley of Paducah, Hope Plumley of Bandana, Heather Plumley of Jackson, MO, and Brooklyn of Cape Girardeau; and three grandchildren, Chelsea Hickson, Connor Hickson, and John Michael Plumley.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Francis Plumley, and Norman Ledbetter.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of La Center followed by memorial service at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Jason Hay officiating.

A private family interment will follow at Oscar Community Cemetery.

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Wickliffe, KY
42087

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