JW Tyree

JW Tyree, 87, of Lexington, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Baptist Health of Lexington. JW was born on Saturday, November 13, 1937, to the late Wesley and Clara B. Tyree. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Christine B. Tyree, they were married August 3, 1958. He is also survived by one daughter, Michelle Lynn Tyree, of Lexington. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Benge and Mildred Layton, and one brother, Merle Tyree. JW was a 1956 graduate of Buckeye High School, was a Valedictorian, and a teammate of “The Fab Five” basketball team. He received a basketball scholarship to Cumberland College, (1956-1958), and was a graduate of LSU Banking School. JW was a United States Army veteran. He then went on to become a respected citizen of Garrard County, where he was a Deacon of Lancaster Christian Church for over 30 years. He and his wife Christine supported the church during the COVID pandemic by donating their COVID supplement to help pay for the church bills while the church was closed, and helped to establish the Hemphill Scholarship for the church youth, alongside Homer Proffitt.  He was a Lancaster City Council member, and Mayor Pro Team, a member of the Lancaster City Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Banking Association and the Lancaster Planning and Zoning Board. JW also worked at the Garrard Bank & Whittaker Bank for 45 years, (1958-2003). He was the CEO of Whittaker Bank and President of Garrard Bank. JW was a stockholder and Director of Garrard & Whittaker Banks, and set up the Student Loan Program at Garrard Bank. He was also a partner in the Garrard County Insurance Agency, and President/member of  the Rotary Club for over 30 years. As an avid golfer, JW enjoyed playing with his many golfing buddies, including Joe B. Hall & Kyle Macy. He was also an avid UK basketball fan, and was once a neighbor to Kentucky basketball  player, Kenny Walker. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Lancaster Christian Church with Rev. Jiian Burford officiating and burial following at Lancaster Cemetery. Pallbearers include Ricky Gibson, Jeff Layton, Jimmie McCulley, Rex Speake, Mark Rogers, and Darren Rogers.  Honorary pallbearers include Jim Henderson, Bob Altwies, David Estes, Bruce Elias, Matt Barsotti, Greg Davis, Joe Lyons, David Giles, Gary Clark, and Brian Smith. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM Friday, January 31, 2025 at Ramsey-Young Funeral Home & from 9:00AM until service time on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Lancaster Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may go to Hospice of the Bluegrass. Friends & family may share memories or leave condolences on his tribute wall at : www.ramsey-young.com, Ramsey-Young Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

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