William Franklin "Bill" Fletcher

December 1, 1930 - July 7, 2024

Lexington, Kentucky - William Franklin ('Bill') Fletcher, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in 1931 to Walter B. and Mabel J. Fletcher, he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Walter B. ('Sonny') Fletcher, Jr., and John Preston ('Jack') Fletcher.

His beloved wife of 69 years, Allene Bach Fletcher, passed away just five days earlier. Devoted in life, they are reunited in heaven. Bill is survived by his children, Jennifer (Keith) Nagle of Middlesboro, Kentucky, and William F. Fletcher, Jr., of Lexington, Kentucky; one grandson, Joe Franklin Nagle, Middlesboro, Kentucky, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in 1930, Bill was a life-long resident of Lexington. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1948, where he excelled at multiple sports. He attended the University of Kentucky until the Korean War, when Bill joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1954, primarily in Europe. The recipient of multiple technical awards during his service, especially treasured was a letter of commendation Bill received from NATO Commanding General Norstad.

After his military service, Bill completed his B.S. in Economics at UK, where he was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and Delta Sigma Pi fraternities.

It was in the Air Force that Bill was introduced to computers, which led to his 30-year career with IBM, where he helped pioneer the introduction of computer systems into various agencies of state government in Kentucky and into university systems state-wide.

A lifetime member of Calvary Baptist Church, Bill served on virtually every Church committee, as well as the deacon Board. An enthusiastic Sunday school teacher, Bill enjoyed both the study and teaching of theology, and his faith was only strengthened by his intellectual curiosity.

Following his retirement from IBM in 1987, Bill enjoyed a variety of interests, including teaching computer science at Transylvania University, volunteering as a Docent at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, and remaining active in civic matters, and state and local politics.

Bill had a full life with family at its center. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and a caring husband to his wife Allene, his best friend, partner, and love of his life.

A joint memorial service for Bill and Allene will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY. Visitation: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., followed by funeral services. A private family graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Calvary Baptist Church, 150 E. High Street, Lexington, KY 40507.