Will Conley
Donated by Kym Hitchcock
The Baptist Tidings
The above is a picture of Will Conley, who was born in Wheelersburg, Kentucky, and spent practically his entire life in that section. Some ten years ago he left Magoffin County and came to Johnson, settling in West van Lear. He had so endeared himself in the hearts of his neighbors that he was reckoned as one among their very best citizens.
The funeral services were held at his home at 10:00 and immediately after the funeral the body was taken to the old Conley home for burial at Wheelersburg.
The following statement was read at the services:
Will Conley, son of Edward D. Conley and Elizabeth Conley, was born and raised in Magoffin County, deceased September 20, 1940, age 76 years, 3 mos and 27 days. He was a member of a large family, six brothers and six sister:
Steve Conley, of Flat Gap, Ky.; John H. Conley, Ashland, Ky.; Henry Conley and James Conley of Litterals Fork, Ky.; David M. Conley of Oil Springs, Ky., George R. Conley of Paintsville: Martha Sayler, Flat Gap, Jane Fairchilds, Kenwood, Ky., Rebecca Jackson, Oil Springs; Mary Prewitt of Whitley County, Lydia Burchwell, Wheelersburg, Ky., and a little sister Susan who died in infancy.
This family all preceded Uncle Will in death.
He was married three times. His first wife was a daughter of Andy and Mary Ann Ritchie. There were born to this union four children, one dead and three living. Those living. Walter, Johnnie and Kernie. Their sister Mary, was called in death April 18, 1915.
His second wife was Belle Sparks. There were born to this union four children. Two girls and two boys. Those living, Dave Conley of Virginia and Boone Conley of Ashland.
His last wife was a daughter of John and Polly Smith of Morgan Co. Kentucky. There were born to this union six children, one dead and five living. Those living are Zella Cantrell of West Van Lear; Dewey Conley, Lonza Conley, Charley Conley Wayne Conley, and Sarah Conley, all at home.
Lizzie Conley was called in death several years ago.
So he leaves a large family and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.
He will be greatly missed in the home, in his community and also in the church to which he belonged. He has been a member of the United Baptist Church which he ha taken a great interest in for many years.
He loved to read the Bible and enjoyed a good conversation.
In the last moments he called his wife to his bedside and talked to her and the children present. He said, " Don't bother me with anything, I have to leave you all. I am soon making the change." He said further, " Be good boys, be good to your Mother." He said to his wife, " Keep your house in order as you have in the past, which I believe you will." She told him not to worry. He said, "Now, I can go satisfied."
He has just crossed the cold Jordan of death, and we believe that he has gone on to swell that number that John the Revelator saw coming up through great tribulations having robes washed and made white in the blood of the lamb.
His passing is our loss. But we feel it is Heavens gain.
Children, remember the parting words of your dear father and the good counsel he often gave.