Billy Edward Courts

Billy Edward Courts passed from this life on January 16th, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Florence, KY at the age of 77. He loved his family, his church and his country. He was born on October 29th, 1946 in Falmouth, KY in his grandparents' home, John and Burnette Ravenscraft Monroe, to his beloved parents Herbert Edward and Alma Monroe Courts who preceded him in death. He was the oldest of 6 children. He graduated from Pendleton Co. High School in 1965 and then in the fall of that year joined the US Air Force. He served in Deluth, MN and then in Takhli Air Base in Thailand where he was with the 355th Fighter Squadron Transportation and received the rank of Sergeant. After his service to his country, he attended and graduated from Morehead State University and then later obtained his Masters Degree from the University of Kentucky. Bill was employed in 1973 at Grant Co. High School as the Agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor. He also served as advisor to the Grant Co. Young Farmers until his retirement from teaching in 1998. On October 29th, 1976 he married Jacqueline (Jackie) Connely and was married for 47 years. Bill loved the family farm and passing on its legacy to his family. After marrying Jackie they moved to her grandparents' farm, HillTop Farms, where they lived and raised their family for 46years. Bill was involved in many agricultural organizations including serving as a supervisor for Grant Co. Soil Conservation and a director for Grant Co Farm Bureau where he served as President, Secretary and Treasurer. He was also a director of the Burley Tobacco Co-Op representing the N. KY counties where he assisted with the Tobacco BuyOut Program. He was a member of Grant Co Extension, 4-H Livestock Committee, Grant Co. Cattlemen's and Grant Co Fair Board. He served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Captain William Arnold Sons of the American Revolution. Bill was a member of and served as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Dry Ridge Baptist Church and was a former member at Elliston Baptist Church where he also served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.He enjoyed watching his UK Basketball and Bengals football games on TV. He also traced his genealogy roots on the Monroe and Courts family with his late father-in-law; K. Harold Connely. Bill is survived by his partner and wife Jackie, children; Rachel Magee, Rebekah White and Kenny (Ashley) Courts. He had 6 grandchildren which he loved dearly; Lucas, Elijah, Asher and Kenley Courts and Hiett and Myles White. He is also survived by his sister and brothers; Donna Taylor, Bob, Terry, Marion and Mike Courts. One aunt; Bonnie Monroe and several nieces and nephews and many good friends. Visitation will be Sunday January 21, 2024 at Dry Ridge Baptist Church from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday morning at the church beginning at 10:00 and going until the funeral services at 12 Noon. Rev Jeff Sargent and Rev. Howard Chipman will officiate. Burial will follow in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery - North (KVC-N) with an arrival time of 2:00. Full Military Honors will be observed. Memorial contributions may be made in Billy's memory to: Dry Ridge Baptist Church, 19 Broadway, Dry Ridge, KY 41035 Historic Sherman Tavern, 3985 Dixie Hwy, Dry Ridge, KY 41035