William J. Detherage

William J. Detherage, of Louisville, was called by the Lord on Sunday, December 07, 2008 at Baptist Hospital after a brief illness. He was a Baptist by faith, born June 9, 1923 in Pulaski, Kentucky. Bill has two children, W. Robert Detherage and John L. Detherage along with many nieces, nephews. After High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Upon completion of flight school, the Army transferred him to the Infantry where he served in the European Theatre of Operations earning several medals including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army, using his G.I. Bill to attend the University of Kentucky where he was a member of ATO, graduating with a Masters Degree in 1949. He embarked on a career as a teacher and High School Basketball Coach taking him to several schools in Kentucky. At Bagdad, Kentucky, for the first time in school history they went to the state basketball tournament. In 1954, he moved to Louisville where he taught school at Wagner High School. He soon left Wagner for a job in the insurance business with the old First Kentucky Fire Insurance Company before joining the James H. Pence Company. Bill bought the majority interest in the insurance agency with two partners. Bill retired as President and sole owner of the business, selling the insurance agency to one of his sons. He continued going to the office till his final illness. During his life Bill was a founding member of the Bagdad Ruitan and the Jefferson County U of K Alumni Association. He was a Fellow at UofK. He was a member of Big Spring Country Club for 45 years and an avid golfer. He enjoyed many friends at Big Spring, where for the past 20 years he enjoyed the competition of a daily or weekly gin game. A graveside service will be held at 3 PM Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at Pulaski Baptist Church Cemetery. Burial will be in Pulaski Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #38. Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.