John W. "Billy" Metcalf

Billy retired from Churchill Downs after four decades of work. His life on the track was written and published by Louisville Magazine. He had a passion for the needs at the track, but also a spirit for helping sick children. Billy would have derby posters signed for auction to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes. He had a very close and loving family at Churchill.

His unbridled spirit will be deeply missed. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Pearl Metcalf; and brother, Charles Metcalf.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Klinker (Pat) and Joni Bartlett (Brad); grandsons, Chris, Taylor, Chase and Blake; brothers, James Metcalf (Onie), Joe Metcalfe (Shirley) and Martin Metcalf; sisters, Mary Buechele (Charles), Theresa Lampe (Bob), Connie Corner, Carol Hester (Gerald), Shirley Metcalf, Rita Vest (Larry) and Deborah Mohr (Rick); 19 nephews and 11 nieces.

A funeral Mass honoring the life of Billy will be held noon Tuesday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be Monday from 3-8 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Mass of the Air or The Downs Syndrome Foundation.