Willie Ray York

Willie Ray York, of Russell Springs, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Lake Cumberland Regional Medical Center, in Somerset. He was 80 years, 6 months, and 3 days of age.

Born on May 14, 1945, in Noblesville, IN, he was a son of the late Jessie and Myrtle Hammonds York. Willie was a retired school bus driver and mechanic for the Russell County Board of Education. He was a faithful member of Mt. Pleasant Church, where he sang in the choir. Willie loved being outdoors hunting and fishing and going on cruises with his family. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, always telling his family how much he loved and appreciated them.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Jean Lawhorn York, of Russell Springs; his daughter, Renee (and Perry) Lee, of Elk Horn; his son, Randy Ray York, of Russell Springs; three brothers, Bobby (and Charlotte) York, Curtis York, and Elvin York all of Russell Springs; five grandchildren, Lauren Stapp (and Tracy Dixon), Jessie York, Jordan Gribbins, Olivia Lee, and Conner Lee; and three great-grandchildren, Chloe Dixon, Cali Dixon, and River Dixon.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his daughter, Melinda York; four brothers, Glen York, Carlos York, Elvis York, and J.B. York; and two sisters, Earnestine Cape and Debbie Robertson.

Funeral services are 11:00 A.M. CST on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Brother Bodie Emerson officiating. Special music will be provided by Bodie Emerson, Steve Stapp, and Ida Holt. Burial will follow in Russell Springs City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. CST on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Bernard Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Monday morning from 7:30 A.M. until the time of services.

Pallbearers will be Greg Brown, Jordan Gribbins, Bobby Cornelison, Jeff Hancock, Cameron Brown, and Caleb Brown.

Funeral arrangements for Willie Ray York are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Ray York, please visit our floral store.