William Park Kellum, 69, of Paducah, passed away at 10:08 A.M. Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Lourdes Hospital, after a long battle with stomach cancer.
He was born to Ferman and Lillian Kellum on January 18, 1950 in Greenwood, Mississippi. William was a graduate of Delta State University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He married the love of his life, Norma, 39 years ago. William was involved in the Marine Industry all of his life. He was a consultant when barges and towboats had accidents on the river. He oversaw new construction of barges for 10 years at Jeffboat Industries. He later retired from that, and just bought and sold towboats and barges with his partner Mike Marshall. William Loved to cook and entertain. He loved to find great wines and thought the only music was 60’s and Delta Blues. He loved to dance like no one was looking, and you wouldn’t want to, because he had no rhythm. William was a Duke of Paducah.
He is survived by his wife Norma; his sons, Brad (Bennette), of Tupelo, Mississippi, Park, of Foley, Alabama; his mother, Lillian, of Paducah; his brother, Ferman, of Apalachicola, Florida; three grandchildren, Bailey and Evan both of Foley, Alabama, and Macie of Tupelo, Mississippi; and his wonder dog, Sparky.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ferman, Sr.; his beloved cat, Greta Garbo.
Per his request, he will be cremated and there will be no visitation.
A private Celebration of Life for close friends and family will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the following people for their help and support through this whole part of William’s life: Cecil Duncan, Maria Wilke, Eddie Spraggs, Spike & Marcia Stacey, Janie DeBow, Jerry Cruse, and Mike and Debbie Stone.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Lourdes Hospice, P O Box 7100, Paducah, KY 42002-7100 or McCracken County Humane Society, 4000 Coleman Rd., Paducah, KY 42001.
Arrangements are being handled by Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah.
You may leave a message of condolence or light a candle of remembrance at milnerandorr.com.
