William "Bill" Bayer Jr.

William “Bill” Bayer Jr., of LaGrange, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026. He was born on December 21, 1951, in Louisville, Kentucky, to the late William Bayer Sr. and Susan Guenther Bayer.

Bill retired from General Electric, where he dedicated 38 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joseph D. Knapper.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lillian Bayer; his children Becky Bayer Kimbler (Charlie), Chad Bayer (Liz), and Adam Bayer (Dana); and his sisters Carolyn Visser (George, deceased), Dolly Prather (Wayne), Donna Kuhn (Rob), and Theresa Knapper (Joe, deceased).

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Eric Bayer, Dylan Bayer, Brooke Bayer, Zachary Bayer, and Jacob Kimbler.

Additional survivors include his in-laws Mike and Colleen Gnau, Ruth Gnau, Linda Thompson, and Rosa Gnau, along with many nieces, nephews, and great friends he considered family.

A special mention is made to Glen Grissom and Grant Melone, who shared a particularly close bond with Bill.

Donations will only be accepted in the form of Bud Light, lottery tickets, or dog treats for Waldo, honoring the simple joys he loved.

Visitation will be held at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located at 706 W Jefferson St, Lagrange, KY 40031, on January 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on January 9, 2026, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 502 N 5th Ave, La Grange, KY 40031, on January 9, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am.