Welby Ray Knifley

GLASGOW – Welby “Ray” “W.R.” Knifley, 83, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Medical Center in Bowling Green. He was the son of the late Walter Ray Knifley and Edna Grey Campbell Knifley.

Above all else, Ray’s greatest joy was his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and nothing meant more to him than being part of their lives. He was an avid sports fan, rarely missing a Cincinnati Reds baseball game. His love of basketball stayed with him throughout his life; he faithfully followed his Campbellsville Eagles from his own high school days and loved keeping up with Barren County High School Trojan basketball. Whether he was watching a ballgame or cheering on one of his grandchildren, some of his happiest moments were simply spent supporting the people and teams he loved.

He is survived by two children, Gregory Allen Knifley (Seaira Milton) and Ella Kay Roberts (Elvis Roberts); eight grandchildren, Hunter Knifley (Trevor Beaulieu), Haley Fields (Trenton), Lily Christensen (Cody Ballard), Chloe Vann (Foster), Emily Christensen, Olivia Roberts (Ryker Faught), Bryan Roberts, and Austin Roberts (Alyssa); five great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Mae Bledsoe Knifley; one son, Marion Ray Knifley; one sister, Julia L. Knifley.

Funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home, with burial in the Haven Hill Cemetery in Columbia, Kentucky. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and after 9:00 a.m. Friday until time for services.