William "Billy Ray" Hunter, 68, passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at the Hospice Care Center at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Born April 12, 1953 in Versailles, Kentucky to the late William Edmond & Mary Margaret Reynolds Hunter, he was a 1971 graduate of Nicholas County High School, had served in the Kentucky Army National Guard and was a member of the Pleasant Valley First Church of God.  Billy Ray was a lifelong dairy farmer and member of the Dairy Farmers of America. After graduating high school, he attended Maysville Community College and went on to get his auctioneer's license from the Lake Cumberland School of Auctioneering, working with several local auctioneers. He drove a bus for Nicholas County Schools for many years. Billy Ray's greatest joy came from coaching girls' softball & volleyball and was a longtime dedicated supporter of Nicholas County Girls' sports - especially volleyball, basketball and softball.  He loved being outside and greatly enjoyed trail riding with his family.

Surviving are 2 children, Jenny (Scott) Jacobs and Christopher Hunter, both of Carlisle; 2 sisters, Rita H. Smart, of Richmond, and Judy Hunter Baugh (David Hall), of Berea; 3 grandchildren, Kylie & Jase Ockerman and Audri Jacobs, and several nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by 2 brothers-in-law, Mike Baugh and Richard Smart.

Services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday November 15, 2021 at Mathers-Gaunce Funeral Home by Bro. Kenton Holbrook and Bro. Larry Tucker with burial to follow in Carlisle Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 4:00 P.M. Sunday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Nicholas County Girls' Softball, c/o Nicholas County Board of Education, 395 West Main Street, Carlisle, Kentucky 40311 or Bluegrass Hospice Care, 1317 US Highway 62 East, Cynthiana, Kentucky 41031.