Trainer, Breeder, Owner Napier Dies at 84

Breeder, owner, and trainer William "Billy" Napier died June 1 at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties with his family by his side at 84.

Born June 15, 1938 in Lynch, Ky., Napier was the son of Leo and Laura (nee Causey) Napier and was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him.

Napier grew up in Hazard, Ky. and loved Hazard. He founded CNW, Inc. (graphic arts company) and enjoyed farming under Napier Stables, where he raised Thoroughbreds and successfully raced them at Turfway Park, Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center, and more. Some of his successful horses include multiple stakes winners Honey's Eclipse and Fax a Freddy, along with stakes winner Head to Toe.

When he was not busy racing, Napier enjoyed restoring his '57 Chevy and enjoyed listening to the Richard Lynch Band.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother Henry "Bud" Napier, sisters Mary Alice Napier, Deborah K. Melton and Sandy Williams and former wife and mother of his children Carolyn Cornett Napier; Bill leaves behind his loving children Tim (Cindy) Napier, Donna (Richard) Lynch and Cathy (Chad) Sims; brothers David (Reva) Napier and Randy Napier; sisters Sue Murray, Arvetta Renzello and Teresa (Freddy) Grigsby; grandchildren Alie (Brandon) Stout, Cassie (Troy) Kathman, Adam Campbell, Mandie (Todd) Vokas, Aldric (Courtney) Holbrook, Jaggar (Olivia) Holbrook, Garret Ennis, and stepgranddaughter Heather Lynch; great-grandchildren Tate, Winston, Carson, Cooper, Banks, Boone, Marlowe, Ivyanna, Ila, step-great-grandchildren Kylee, Kendell and Kami and many other family members and friends.

The family will receive friends June 5 from 5:00 p.m. ET until 7:00 p.m. at the Stine Funeral Home of Lebanon.  A second visitation will be held at the Maggard Brothers Funeral Chapel in Hazard, Ky. June 7 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in the Mountain View Memorial Gardens.