Billy Ray Gootee

Billy (“Bill”) R. Gootee, 85, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson. He was born on July 18, 1940, in Central City, Kentucky.

A life-long Christian, Bill served God by serving others. He was dedicated to his family and cared for them by addressing needs of all kinds. “Papaw” Bill was a source of wisdom, wit, and common sense for his friends and family. Known for being a conscientious worker, he could turn his hand to solve any problem. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and winning at the casino.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie (“Les”) and Aletha Miller Gootee; sister, Beatrice Queen; brother, Glenn Sandleben; and sister-in-law, Sylvia Slaughter.

Bill is survived by his wife of 31 years, Saundra (“Sandy”) Gootee; children Billy R. Gootee, Jr., Eric V. Gootee, Michael Keith Furlong (Suzetta), and Jennifer Furlong Reinhardt (Timmy); grandchildren Andrew Furlong (Kelli Martin), Nina Chavez (Joey), Michelle Furlong (Christina), Nicholas Furlong, Alicia Gootee, Alex Furlong, Nathaniel Gootee, and Buddy Gootee; great-grandchildren, Haley Furlong; Michael, Liam, and Alexandria Chavez; Mason Ingram; and Charlee Holloman; in-laws Clinton Slaughter, Jr., Caroline Slaughter, Barbara Thomason, Robert Slaughter (Linda), J.B. Slaughter, Mary-Sue Slaughter, Sammy Slaughter (Lisa), and Elaine Sandleben; nieces, nephews, and other family members; long-term caregivers Gabriel (“Gabe”) Blake and Debbie Sorensen and many others.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson, with interment following at Fernwood Cemetery. Pastor Paul Eason will officiate. Friends may visit on Monday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the service begins.

Pallbearers will be Michelle Furlong, Nicholas Furlong, Alex Furlong, Buddy Gootee, Cassius Bentley, and Robbie Earl Slaughter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Clinton Slaughter, Jr., Robert Able Slaughter, J.B. Slaughter, Sammy Slaughter, and Timmy Reinhardt.

The family invites those who wish to express sympathy to make memorial contributions to the Lucy Smith King Care Center – St. Anthony’s Hospice in Henderson.