William Eugene “Bill” Mayne

William Eugene “Bill” Mayne, 92, of the Carpenter community, Highway 92 E, graduated to Heaven on July 21, 2022 while at his beloved farm.
Born in Gatliff, KY on May 1, 1930, Bill was the second child and first son of Benjamin R. and Crittie Bennett Mayne.
In 1940, the family moved to a rented farm on Lick Fork Road. Here Bill first laid eyes on Wilma Evans, a petite dark-haired girl with big blue eyes and a sweet spirit. She would become his classmate, friend, and the love of his life.
Bill joined the Army in September 1948 and was honorably discharged from the Army Corps of Engineers a year later. While the army life was not for him, he treasured the experience which gave rise to many humorous stories.
Upon returning from the Army, Bill enrolled in Cumberland College, earning his teaching certificate. He started his teaching career at Patterson Creek, a one room school.
He and Wilma married on April 15, 1953 and lived In Ohio for a year before the lure of the mountains and family brought them back home. Basketball crazy since boyhood, he agreed to teach the 8th grade at Nevisdale only if he could have a basketball team. His Nevisdale students held a special place in his heart.
Attending night school and summer school, Bill received his master’s degree and Rank 1 certification from EKU. He served the students of Whitley County as a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant superintendent, and, finally, as the superintendent of county schools. He was a passionate believer in the power of education and the abilities of the young people of Whitley County.
Bill was a devout Christian and lifelong faithful member of Carpenter Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for many years. He reminded us in his last days that “God’s way is always best” and lived by a strong code of honor, integrity, and loyalty.
He loved being with his family and his people, hunting with his bird dogs, working outdoors on the farm, watching and armchair coaching the UK Wildcats, bonding with his grandchildren, and eating good country cooking. An engaging storyteller, his eyes always sparkled and danced as the story progressed.
Bill was a member of Kentucky Retired Teachers, Williamsburg Lodge 490, F&AM (Master, 1973), and the Capt. Charles Gatliff Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
A devoted father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bill is survived by two daughters, Sharon Withers (Dennis) and Pamela Dillender (Jeff), of Lexington, KY; three grandchildren, Laura Foust (Doug), Amy Withers, and Zachary Dillender, all of Lexington; four great-granddaughters Caitlyn Eichelberger, Jennifer Withers, and Cara and Chelsea Foust; special niece/sister, Donna Perkins of Williamsburg and special nephew/brother/son of the heart Darrell Mayne (Rhonda), Poplar Creek. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and special friend and “third daughter”, Connie Tye and caregiver, Billie Blankenship, who brought comfort and joy in the last months of his life.
Bill was proceeded in death by Wilma, his beloved wife of 61 years; his parents; his siblings, Lavada Beams, Marcella Faulkner, Howard Mayne, Martha Lawson, Bretta Conley, and James Mayne; his nephew, Larry Faulkner; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Funeral service be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 27, at the Croley Funeral Home. Graveside will follow with Rev. Sowder officiating.
Jellico American Legion will handle Military Honors at the graveside service.
He will be laid to rest in the Carpenter Baptist Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.croleyfh.com.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.