John William "Billy" Whitney

John William "Billy" Whitney, age 73,  was born July 1, 1945 in Lexington, KY to the late William Harrison and Mary Elizabeth Green Whitney. Billy was the oldest child of nine. He was also preceded in death in 2010 by a sister Viola, in 2009 by a brother Bobby and in 1994 by a sister Wanda. Billy made his transition from this life to eternal life with his Lord and Savior on February 16, 2019. Billy graduated from Owen County High where he loved playing basketball and was very good. After integrating to the High School from the coloured school on Cull Rd. Billy was the first black student to start as a freshman playing basketball on the A team starting every game. Billy was offered a scholarship from Lincoln Institute. He retired from Fischers Packing Company in Louisville after 35 years of service. Before retiring he also worked for UPS for 16 years and part time at Pepsi Cola while working at UPS. Billy leaves to cherish his memories his two sons John William Whitney Jr. (Katrinka), Patrick Lee Whitney (Dawn), and one daughter Alison Whitney; brothers, Michael Whitney (Valerie) and James Allen Whitney; sisters, Alice Thomas, Mary DuBois, and Willetta Wright (Clinton); grandchildren, Victor, Leah (Wayne), Amber and Jon'Ne; great grandchildren Psalm and Lincoln. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends also survive.   McDonald & New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.   Family will receive friends at the Second Baptist Church Owenton on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 11 am until 1 pm.  Home Going Celebration Services will follow at 1 pm With Rev. Christopher L. Hagan presiding. Burial will follow in the Owenton Cemetery.