Billy Ray Foster

Billy Ray Foster, 84, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 after a long illness. A lifelong resident of Frankfort, he was the son of John Elbert Foster and Clara Belle Rossell.

A World War II veteran, Bill had a long and varied career, including construction on the Capitol Annex building, manufacturing supervision at Dixie Cup in Lexington and Bendix Westinghouse in Frankfort, and security at Old Grand-Dad and other Jim Beam distilleries in Frankfort.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lois Jean Purvis Foster and his long-time friend Marilyn Morrison Campbell.

He is survived by his daughter Jan Foster-Penn (Tandy Penn), of McKinney, Texas.

Bill loved life and people, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and thoroughbred racing at Keeneland.

A true southern gentleman, he had a gift of making friends everywhere he went. He loved to make people feel happy, and he always had a large smile and encouraging words for everyone he met.

The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at Rogers Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 20, and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 21.

Pallbearers will be Les Campbell, Jeff Campbell, Gary Campbell, Ron Campbell, Joe Manning and David Slewfelt. Honorary pallbearers are George Cook and Vince Warren.