Ray Hester Willyard

He was born on January 2, 1934, in Glendale, Kentucky, to Richard and Nellie Willyard. Ray enjoyed sharing stories of his time working at the Gold Vault and serving two years with the military in Germany along with Elvis, before beginning his working career. He later retired from Reynolds Aluminum Company. Following retirement, Ray enjoyed what he often called “the best years of his life,” traveling, fishing, and spending cherished time with the love of his life, Gracie.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was known for his quiet demeanor, wise advice, and wonderful sense of humor. Kind and gracious, Ray was one of the most appreciative people you would ever meet.

Even though his yearbook poem stanza ended with “But out in life, we think he’ll do fair”. Those who knew and loved him would say he did so much more than fair.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Gracie Willyard; his parents; his brother, Roy Chester Willyard; and his nephew, Kenneth Willyard.

Left to carry on his memory are his daughters, Phyllis Lay (Glenn) and Brenda Stewart; his grandchildren, Stephanie Lewis (Tim), Jesse Lay (Stephanie), Shelby Jo Stewart, and Taylor Gordon (Graham); his great-grandchildren, Jake and Wyatt Lay, Wesley Lewis, and Hayes Gordon; Greg Stewart, father of Shelby Jo and Taylor; his brother, Clifton Willyard; his niece, Kennetta Daynes; and extended nieces and nephews Johnny Evans, Guy Evans, Paula Coogle, and Peggy Ammons, as well as his great-niece, Roxanne Westmoreland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Honor Flight Bluegrass, an organization that transports veterans to Washington, DC, to visit their memorials and reflect upon their service and sacrifice. Honorflightbluegrass.org

Visitation for Ray will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Advantage Funeral Home, 10907 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40272.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the same location. Burial at Bethany Memorial Cemetery, 10917 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40272.