William Clayton “Bill” Gifford, 89, of Flemingsburg, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Fleming County Hospital.
Born at Sardis on November 16, 1934, his father was the late Aaron Clayton Gifford and his mother was the late Phoebe Poe Gifford.
Bill was retired from US Shoe Factory in Vanceburg after 50 years of service, having worked as the general plant manager. He was a member of the Jaycees. He served as a Hospital Foundation member, and was a member of Flemingsburg First United Methodist Church. He attended Pleasant Valley Church of God. He was an avid fan of UK and the Cincinnati Reds. He loved to mow and loved to discuss politics. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Virginia Mitchell Gifford, and his four children, Kimberly and Dwayne Newsom of Flemingsburg, Dallas and Randi Gifford of Nicholasville, Janet M. Wilson of Frankfort, and Jarrod and Lori Mitchell of West Liberty. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Aaron (Alissa See) Alderman, Dakota (Brandon Perry) Gifford, Coty (Hannah) Meade, Mackenzie Gifford, Cory Nason, Christopher (Sheila) Nason, Lauren (Grant) Bridges, Lindsey Wilson, and Jarra (Josh Howard) Mitchell; 12 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Ariel, Autumn, Wyatt, Waylon, Wesley, Cory Jr., Gabby, Eli, Rhyder, Evelyn, and Liam; his brother, Bobby and Anna Gifford of Gary, Indiana; and his many extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Mae Campbell Gifford, and 10 of his siblings, Jim, Gordon, Shirley, Florence, Helen, Edna, Darlene, Glenda, Judy, and Donna.
Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home in Flemingsburg with Bro. Dean Brewer and Bro. Greg Tucker officiating.
Bill will be laid to rest in Fleming County Cemetery.
Military graveside rites will be accorded by WN Fant American Legion Post 5 and Franklin Sousley VFW Post 1834.
Pallbearers include Dallas Gifford, Chris Nason, Cory Nason, Coty Meade, Brandon Perry, and Aaron Alderman. Honorary pallbearers include Dwayne Newsom, Kenny Clark, Jerry Neal, Charlie Stacy, Kenny Dunaway, Donnie Story, and Jimmy Story.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home, 150 West Water Street in Flemingsburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Bill’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)
Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com.
