Mr. William D. Stark Jr., 79, of Barbourville, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 27, 2022 at Baptist Health Corbin.  He was the son of the late William Duncan Stark Sr. and Grace Hunt Stark born on October 6, 1943 in Louisville.

Bill was an attorney, professor, high school teacher and a member of the First United Methodist Church where he was a trustee, member of the Methodist Men and taught Sunday school.  He was a former city attorney, former attorney for American Fidelity Bank, head of the Zoning Board, assistant county attorney and a professor at Union College.  Bill was a 1971 graduate of the University of Kentucky Law School and conferred salutatorian, a member of the Kentucky Bar Association, PTA president and little league coach.  He enjoyed trains, reading, washing cars, gardening, rocking on the porch at his condo in Port Charlotte, FL watching the water.  Bill also loved watching football, sports, cartoons, exercising, walking with Mr. Good Dog, spending time with animals and dearly loved spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

On December 18, 1964, he united in marriage with Ethel Melton and to this union three children were born.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Stark Proud; parents-in-law, D. H. and Clara Melton; two brothers-in-law, William Melton and Randall Melton and wife, Mildred; his precious dogs, Mr. Good Dog, Blackie, Booger, Chico, Ralph, Benji and Princess.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 57 years, Ethel Stark of Barbourville; dearly loved children, Rev. Daniel M. Stark and Todd Stark both of Barbourville and Suzanne Dowling and husband, Matt, of Port Charlotte, FL; treasured grandchildren, Amanda Stark, Alexis Stark, Kateri, Nicholas, Luke and Will Dowling; nieces and nephews, Randy Melton and wife, Sarah, William Melton and wife, Patsy, James, Timothy, Andrew and Kimberly Proud; several great nieces and nephews; special friend and neighbor, Eric Canady; among other loved ones and dear friends.

The Stark family will welcome friends in the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church of Barbourville Friday, December 2 after 5 P.M. with a celebration of his life beginning at 7 P.M with Rev. Daniel M. Stark and Rev. Brian Shockey officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may go to the First United Methodist Church of Barbourville, Union College, the American Cancer Society or the Knox/Whitley Animal Shelter in his memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.

Send a condolence to the family of WILLIAM D. STARK JR.

For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.

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