William Owen Elmore, age 86, formerly of Athens, died Friday morning, December 22, 2023 at Life Care Hospice of Wooster. Born January 26, 1937, in Hodgenville, Kentucky, he was the son of Alvin Owen Elmore and Lela Skaggs Elmore.

Bill was a graduate of Hodgenville High School, earned an Associate Degree from Bethel College of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, in 1957, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Jane Sasser. They married in 1958 and moved to Ohio, where he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education at Ohio University. An educator for 35 years, Bill touched many lives in Athens County. Bill enjoyed carving, painting, gardening, and golfing. He was a talented writer who penned family histories.

A loving father, Bill is survived by his children: Gil (Patricia) Elmore of Athens, Kizzi (Bill) Clark of Guysville, Jeanneane (Jay) Theiss of Wooster, Jonathan (Michelle) Elmore of Jeffersonville, IN; six grandchildren: John (Beth) Elmore, Robert (Lindsey) Elmore, Jared Elmore, Josh Elmore, Chelsea (Cuni) Besic, and Christina (Tony) Valure; eight great-grandchildren: Layla and Leonardo Besic, Gabriel and Elliott Elmore, and Shane, Hailey, Leah, and Brianna Valure; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Liz; his parents, Alvin and Lela Elmore; his brother, Jimmy Elmore; and three sisters: Mary Katherine Billiter, June Thornberry, and Sue Reed.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 28th, at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens, with his nephew Rev. John Mark Reed officiating. Calling hours will begin at 11:00 with the funeral services following at 1:00.  Burial will be in Alexander Cemetery, Hebbardsville.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.