Mr. William Harold “Bill” Basham, age 87, of Brandenburg, KY, passed away at his residence on August 5, 2024. Bill was born January 24, 1937, the son of Bernie and Mildred Basham.
Bill was always full of jokes for everyone around him. He loved his family immensely and was extremely devoted to them and his close friends. He was also a pillar in the community.
Before retiring, he served as a warehouseman for over 40 years at Olin Chemical Company. He then served his county as a deputy with the Meade County Sheriff’s Department for over 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed being the head court bailiff his last few years before again retiring. He spent years advocating for his community by serving on the boards of Hillcrest Country Club, Farm Bureau, Meade County Senior Citizens, and a councilman for the City of Brandenburg. He also served as president for the Fraternal Order of Police Otter Creek Lodge #67. He always enjoyed collecting money for the annual Shop with a Hero and greatly enjoyed seeing all the smiling faces of the children and their families.
Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed many things and had many hobbies. Farming, cattle, shooting guns, hunting, golfing, taking trips to casinos, sitting in his recliner, and watching his family grow to name a few.
At the age of 17, Bill thought that it would be a good idea to join the United States Army. This decision quickly matured him as he was whisked off to boot camp and found himself on his way to the Korean Conflict. Bill was a proud veteran and was honored to have served his country.
In his later years he became an active member of Salem Baptist Church. He would often mention that this change shocked even himself, but he was very involved in his church and dearly loved the Lord.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 64 years, Thelma Jean “Jeanie” Basham; and his brother, Steve Basham. He is survived by three children, DJ (Misty) Benham, Donna (Joe) Brown, and Tammy (Joey) Hardesty; eight grandchildren, Garett (Makaela) Benham, Connor Benham, Brylee Benham, Adrienne Brown, Dominic (Rachel) Brown, Zac (Sydney) Brown, Tiffany Humphrey, and Jill (Tim) Miller; eight great grandchildren, Ellie Benham, Kaiden Mercer, Jonah Brown, Zane Brown, Ayla Brown, Layni Jo Brown, Nevaeh Humphrey and Autumn Humphrey; his brother, J.B. (JoAnn) Basham; his sister, Charlene (Elbert) Lasley; numerous nieces and nephews; and his companion, Dorothy Robertin.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Salem Baptist Church, with Rev. Garry Hicks officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at 1:30 PM at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central. Visitation will be held at Hager Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, and at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Thursday. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the F.O.P. – Shop with a Hero, P.O. Box 1082, Brandenburg, KY 40108.
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