Billy (Bill) E. Hay of Benton, Kentucky, formerly a resident of Monticello, Kentucky passed away August 13, 2020 at the age of 88.  Bill was born November 1, 1931 in Jenkins, Kentucky to Raymond Dewey and Ethel (McClure) Hay.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children, Jacqueline H. Hay; brothers Orah, Raymond and Jack Hay; sisters Louise Hay and Reva Williams.

Bill is survived by three children:  William (Nickie) Hay of Paducah, Kentucky, Scott (Darla) Hay of Middletown, Ohio, Brooke Hay of Springboro, Ohio; five grandchildren Jenifer, Maynor, Nathaniel,  Connor and Abby Hay; two great grandchildren MaLlani Hay and Marlee Dix and daughter-n-law Kim Hay of Benton, Kentucky.  He is also survived by his brother Bob Hay; sisters Shirley Dutton, Loretta Dash, Carol Booth, and Gay Booth as well as many nieces and nephews who mourn his passing.

As a young man Bill served as a paratrooper in the 82 ^nd Airborne division of the U.S. Army where he achieved the rank of corporal.

Bill was a guidance counselor, mathematics teacher, and archery instructor in the Wayne County School System.   He also taught at the Wayne County Boys' Camp one evening a week. He retired in 1987 after 27 years of teaching.  He was an assistant football coach for the first Wayne County football team under Head Coach Jackie Jewell.  Bill obtained a bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1960 and master's degree from Western Kentucky University in guidance counseling in 1969.

Bill was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and was a former member of the Wayne County Sportsman's Club as well as a life-time member of the NRA.  He enjoyed reading, boating, and water skiing as well.  In his youth, he was a lifeguard and swim instructor.  He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Bill was a wonderful father, grandfather, teacher, and mentor.  He had many friends and was always willing to help others in need.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 22, 2020 between 11 am – 1 pm in the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 1 pm.  Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.  Military honors will be provided by our local DAV Chapter 105.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project in his name.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, and upon recommendations from the Governor's Office for Funeral Homes, there will be some limitations and restrictions for service attendance. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook or send a private condolence message through our website.