Bill Lacey

****The visitation & service for Mr. Lacey has been changed to Saturday, February 11, 2023.

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of William G. Lacey (Bill), age 86, of Radcliff, Kentucky on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the University of Louisville Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. Bill passed away surrounded by love and embraced by his family. Bill was a dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, confidant and soldier who was born on November 18, 1936 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Alphonsus William Lacey and Estella Maud Hart Lacey.

Bill joined the United States Army in 1955 at the age of 19. Bill served in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Bill served on U.S. Military Advisory Groups from 1958 to 1960 in Laos, from 1962 to 1964 in Thailand and from 1965 to 1967 in Vietnam. Bill was a member of Operation White Star, also known as Project White Star. Bill continued his military service with the Criminal Investigation Division in Bamberg, Germany from 1968 to 1970. From 1971 to 1973, Bill served with the Criminal Investigation Division in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Bill returned to Laos and Thailand from 1973 to 1974 with the U.S. Military Advisory Group. Bill was an elite member of the United States Army Special Forces, serving two tours in Vietnam. After bravely serving his country for 22 years, Bill was honorably discharged from the United States Army having achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 and began his career in civilian law enforcement with the Radcliff Police Department in Radcliff, Kentucky. There, he obtained the rank of Lieutenant. During his career with the Radcliff Police Department, Bill was a patrolman, Chief Detective and SWAT team commander. After 13 years at the Radcliff Police Department, Bill returned to Fort Knox to work with the Provost Marshal's Office. Bill then became the 911 Director at the Hardin County Sheriff's Department and established the Advanced 911 Systems for Hardin and Meade Counties.

Bill was a true warrior and earned countless decorations, medals, badges and commendations. Medals and recognition meant little to Bill. He did the job that needed to be done and proudly served because that was what he wanted to do. Bill loved serving his country. Bill finally retired and put up his feet to enjoy much needed R&R. Bill enjoyed traveling with his loving wife, Evelyn, of 46 years. Bill and Evelyn enjoyed traveling the world together. Bill loved to visit Thailand with his wife and family, and he will be greatly missed by all of his friends in Thailand.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Alphonsus and Estella. Bill is also preceded in death by his four-legged friends, Hank and Brody. Bill is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and his brother, Donald and wife, Crystal. Bill is survived by his five daughters: Pauline (Doug) Robinson, Michelle (Eric) Johns, Jenette (Matt) Lacey, Dianna (Michael) Childs and Melissa (Keith) Lacey. Bill is survived by his nine grandchildren: Vikki Paras, Lisa Paras, David Knotts, Jessica Thomas, Derek Knotts, Justin Robinson, Dylan Johns, Christian Speir and Evan Speir. Bill is survived by his six great-grandchildren: Lilly, Marcus, Lexi, Luke, Liam and Leonidus.

Near the end, Bill told his family, “No one makes it out of here alive.” He lived a remarkable and heroic life and will be missed by all. Bill was a dear friend and respected by many. Through his courage, sacrifice and service, he truly made this world a better place.

Friends will be received at Chism Family Funeral Home at 769 Highland Avenue, Vine Grove, Kentucky from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 PM, Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the chapel of Chism Family Funeral Home, Vine Grove, KY.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.

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