Welby Ray Knifley

Welby “Ray” “W.R.” Knifley, 83, of Glasgow, Kentucky, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026 at the Medical Center in Bowling Green. He was a 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 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.