William Francis Friel

He was born on December 20, 1934, in Crothersville, IN, to his late parents Frederick and Dora Friel.

William proudly served in the United States Navy starting in March 1954, becoming an Optical Man who skillfully repaired periscopes for nuclear submarines including the notable USS Tang.

A graduate of Scottsburg High School, Bill's athletic talent set a High Jump Record that remained unbroken for over two decades. He excelled not only in the high jump but also in basketball, baseball, and track. His love for nature led him to the University of Indiana, where he earned his bachelor's degree in botany in 1962. Continuing his education, he achieved his master's degree in business from the University of Louisville in 1980, sharing the memorable graduation stage with his daughter Terri, an event Terri will cherish forever.

He began his career at Seagram's in 1964, where he applied his exceptional problem-solving skills to yeast testing, eventually providing his expertise in other plants internationally. His leadership skills came to the forefront when he was Scout Master for the Super Troop 194 at St. Martha's from 1968 to 1972. William worked in the bourbon industry from 1962 to his retirement in 2000 as a Master Distiller at Barton’s. He was responsible for the development of the 1792 Bourbon, “a great whisky at a great price” he liked to say. He was inducted to the Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2018 due to his contributions to the production of Bourbon. He served on the Bardstown Bourbon Festival board and notably invented and emceed the Barrel Roll until 2009. He helped design and build Laws Whiskey House distillery consulting with owner Alan Laws, where his contributions to the flavor profile played a role in earning multiple awards for small-batch bourbon of the year for the distillery.

William was a pilot and mastered the skies in his Cessna, navigating by radio RFR, and was also a champion senior skeet shooter, showcasing his precision. His artistic side was shown through his photography and woodworking; he created a two-story doll house with electricity for his granddaughter, and his wife Laura decorated the inside.

William loved bird watching, he was a member of the Beckham Bird Club of Louisville, KY, where he also served as a board member. His humor and love for storytelling made him the life of any gathering. He leaves behind so many wonderful memories.

William is predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Dora Friel, his son, Johnson Friel, his brothers Frederick Friel, Edward Friel, Albert Friel, and his sister Rita Friel Robbins. Celebrating his life and cherishing his memory are his loving wife of 69 years, Laura Jo Friel, his daughter, Teresa "Terri" Friel, his granddaughter, Signe "Desi" Rybolt (Nick Howell), and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

William Francis Friel lived a life full of love, accomplishment, and service. As he steps into infinity you can hear him shout, "Whoopie Sh*t!”. He will be deeply missed but his spirit will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A visitation for William will be held Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. A funeral service will occur Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven.