Billy Joe Hosford

Mr. Billy Joe Hosford, age 86, of Murray, Kentucky passed away Thursday, September 19, 2019 at his sons' home in Boonville, Indiana. He was born October 24, 1932 in Fort Henry, Tennessee to the late Kirby and Elizabeth Ryan Hosford. He was also grandson of Dr. William Ryan, longtime physician from Land Between the Lakes.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Larry D. Hosford, Kenneth R. Hosford and Keith B. Hosford.
As with most people living in the Land between the Lakes region, the Hosford family moved out of the area and settled on a farm outside of Murray, Kentucky. Billy Joe graduated from New Concord High School in 1950. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, doing a two-year stint in Germany. After returning from military service, he attended Murray State Teachers College and earned his degree in Industrial Arts. In 1959, he began his teaching career with a position at Boonville Jr. High School where he taught until 1983, and due to illness had to retire.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Shelbie Lee Hosford of Murray, Kentucky; two sons, Garry Hosford and wife Andrea of Evansville, Indiana, Tim Hosford and wife Janice of Boonville, Indiana; brother, Hal Hosford and wife Shelby of Murray, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Jacob and Will Hosford of Boonville, Indiana, Garrah and Sydney Hosford both of Olney, Illinois and Rachael Welch and husband Caleb of Henderson, Kentucky; and one great grandson, Ezra Welch.
Graveside services will be held 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the Hicks Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:30 -3:30 Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com