Bobby W. Loy, 66, respected community leader, dies after illness

Bobby W. Loy, one of Adair Countys most respected citizens, died on Monday morning, October 14, 2002, after a long battle with heart disease and cancer. He was 66.

Mr. Loy was a retired businessman, U.S. Army veteran, political leader, land owner, and a former member of the Westlake Cumberland Hospital Board of Trustees, as well as an active member of the Columbia Baptist Church. In his spare time, he was a hobby farmer and avid gun collector.

He attended schools in Chicago and Breeding and was a graduate of Adair County High School. Starting in 1969, Mr. Loy built the Durham Wholesale Company into a highly successful local business.

He was appointed a trustee of Westlake Cumberland Hospital in November of 1986. During his tenure on the board, he was an advocate of two major expansions: the addition of the Psychiatric Unit and the purchase of what is now Westlake Primary Care, both of which helped elevate the hospital to regional importance.

For the last quarter century, Mr. Loy was a dominant power in the Adair County political arena, campaigning for the Democratic party in every election. He was the local party contact man for several governors of Kentucky, he was a major force behind a school administration change in the 1970s, and he guided the campaigns in the last two Democratic victories for Adair County Judge Executive. He will be long remembered in Kentucky politics for his organizing skills, for his tireless personal campaigning, and for his honesty.

During the past 5 years, Bobby W. Loy was a symbol of bravery and strength to family and friends alike, surprising medical experts at every turn with his perseverance and determination in a battle with serious illness.

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Obituary

Bobby W. Loy, 66, of Cardinal Drive, Columbia, died Monday morning at his home after an illness.

Mr. Loy was the son of the late Holland and Nina Loy, and is survived by his wife, Odean Sharp Loy, of Columbia; two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Perry Parrish, and Carolyn and Anthony Hale, all of Columbia; three grandchildren, twins Travis and Dylan Michael Hale, and Rachel Grace Parrish. Mr. Loy is also survived by three brothers, Marshall Loy, Columbia; Harry Loy, Smithland, KY; and Gene Loy, Tinley Park, IL.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, October 16, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at Grissom Funeral Home with Dr. James E. Jones and Rev. Randy Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Haven Hill Cemetery. Grissom Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is after 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 15.

The family has requested that expressions of sympathy take the form of a donations to the Columbia Baptist Church, which can be left at the funeral home.

Casket bearers are Barry Corbin, Rob Durham, Woody Sharp, Chuck Sharp, Jeff Simpson, and Donnie Perry. Honorary casket bearers are Curt Yarberry, Bill Cooley, Junior Walker, Carl Arnold, Bobbie C. Willis, Ed Waggener, Welby Simpson, Tucker Yarberry, Doug Sapp, Dr. Kenneth DeSimone, Dr. Gary Partin, and Don Hale.