Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, William (Bill) Prather Curlin Jr., age 89, passed away on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in Midway.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Beth) of 63 years.
Bill was born on Nov. 30, 1933, to William and Margaret Curlin in Paducah. His family moved throughout his childhood while his father worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After the war, they settled in Frankfort, where he graduated from Frankfort High School. Bill served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War era briefly. He them earned his undergraduate and law degree at the University of Kentucky. As an attorney, Bill worked for the Kentucky Revenue Department from 1962 to 1964. He then served as a member of the Kentucky General Assembly from 1968 to 1971. In 1971, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Kentucky 6th District. Valuing his family above all else, in 1973 Bill chose to return to Frankfort to work as a “simple country lawyer” at Hazelrigg & Cox until his retirement in 2007.
In 1979, Bill and Beth bought a small farm in Woodford County, which allowed them to be more active in Beth’s love of horses and for Bill to become a “gentlemen farmer.” They were members of the Iroquois Hunt Club, where Bill served as president. Bill was a member of Keeneland and enjoyed entertaining friends with a day at the track. Golf was also a big part of Beth and Bill’s life, and they were lifelong members of the Frankfort Country Club and The Honors Course in Tennessee. Bill and his son Will enjoyed bird and duck hunting with friends and family. He loved travelling and was a lifelong learner. This led Bill and Beth on many trips to Europe throughout his life. Bill was a lover of classical music and was a long-time supporter of the Lexington Philharmonic. At the end of his life, it was music that brought him the greatest joy.
Bill and Beth were members of South Frankfort Presbyterian until they moved to Woodford County when they joined the New Union Christian Church. In his later years, he and Beth rejoined South Frankfort Presbyterian Church.
Bill was affectionately called “Bebo” by his family. He will be remembered as a generous and faithful husband, parent and grandparent. Proceeded in death by his parents, his sister, Celeste Moore; and his grandson Allen Williams, Bill is survived by his wife Beth, his children, Will (Tammara Curlin), Caroline (Bryce Taylor), Margaret (Richard Burke) and Dorothy (Billy Mathews); as well as his nine grandchildren, Anna and Thomas Curlin; Celeste, Bethany and Rachel Taylor; William, Elizabeth and Philip Burke; and Hannah Williams.
Services were held at South Frankfort Presbyterian Church on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, with Rev. Marian Taylor officiating. Burial followed in Frankfort Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Remembrance Trust Fund, South Frankfort Presbyterian Church, 224 Steele St., Frankfort Ky. 40601.
Condolences may be shared via the online guestbook at www.harrodbrothers.com.