William Kirby Teater

William Kirby Teater, 76, of Lancaster, KY, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Ephraim McDowell Hospital after a short fight against Leukemia.  He was preceded in death by his parents, J.L. and Juanita (Simpson) Teater.

William Kirby was born at Ephraim McDowell Hospital on December 20, 1946.  He attended Lancaster School for 11 years.  He was active in 4H and FFA, showing Angus cattle.  He also played football for Lancaster.  In 1965, William Kirby was a graduate in the first class of Garrard County High School.  He had continued his FFA and football activities there.  After graduation, he continued his education at the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University studying Agriculture.

William Kirby participated on the board of Garrard Bank and Trust and later on the Whitaker Bank board.  He was also on the board of Garrard County Water Association.

William Kirby was a farmer all his life, raising cattle, corn and tobacco.  He was owner of Garrard County Stockyards as well as Peoples Tobacco Warehouse in Somerset plus warehouses in Lumberton, NC and Waycross, GA.  He was also part owner of Greenleaf Fertilizer in Danville, KY.

William Kirby’s greatest enjoyment in life was watching his children play sports. He was well know for his “Hit them!” in football as well as “Defense!” in basketball.  This was carried over watching John and Jenny play at Campbellsville University.  He was his grandchildren’s greatest fan as well.  He went up to the middle to school to watch Urban practice football even after he had begun his fight against Leukemia.  He was able to watch Parker play basketball against Boyle County after going to the Markey Cancer Center in August.

William Kirby is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ann (Erbaugh) Teater; two sons, John (Julie) Teater, and Arthur Teater, both of Lancaster; daughter Jenny Marie (Scott) Jessie of Campbellsville, KY; four grandchildren, Jonlem Kirby (J.L.) Teater, Jase Teater Jessie, Urban William Teater and Parker Jessie; three bonus grandsons, Landon Hensley, Hunter Jessie and Brayden Jessie; and two bonus great grandchildren, Luka and Lenni Hensley.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 9:00 PM Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Spurlin Funeral Home with a Masonic Service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, September 22, 2023 at Spurlin Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Denny and Rev. Nan Erbaugh officiating.

Burial will be in Lancaster Cemetery.

Active pallbearers are Jonlem (J.L.) Teater, Landon Hensley, Hunter Jessie, Brayden Jessie, Urban William Teater, Jase Teater Jessie, Keith Middleton, Kevin Middleton, and Jeff Hester.

Honorary pallbearers are Danny Irvin, Joe Leavell, Leanna Miller, Lashonna Grow, Jeannie Hale, Michael Noe, Jeff Harrod, and Scott Jessie.

Spurlin Funeral Home of Lancaster in charge of arrangements. www.spurlinfuneralhomelancaster.com

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