Joseph “Bill” William Kemper, II, 93, died on July 22, 2022, in Harrodsburg, KY. Bill Kemper was born on May 20, 1929 in Medora, Illinois, to Joseph William Kemper and Eileen Florence McCrallis Kemper.

After graduating college, he served in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed at the Far East Engineering Depot in Yokohama, Japan. He was assigned to computerize the entire inventory. Upon his return from service, he trained and schooled to become a sales engineer for Minneapolis- Honeywell and worked in that capacity for eight years. He became Vice President in charge of sales for Sellers Engineering in Danville and held that position for 23 years. He purchased several existing lumber yards along with partners Roy Edmiston and Ray Walker. Together they formed Boyle Lumber and Supply, which later partnered with Irvin Fox to construct a complex of townhomes known as Charleston Greene. Bill’s career and hobbies took him to all parts of the world feeding his many interests along the way- particularly birds. He always had binoculars close at hand and diligently worked to add to his life list. Land preservation and wildlife habitat protection became a keen and pressing issue, prompting him to launch a fundraising campaign to purchase acreage in Boyle County for that purpose. Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge (CKWR) flourishes today for all to enjoy. Reading, photography, bench rest target shooting, travel, tailoring, art, architecture, history, antiques, dogs, music, and engaging conversation were all important pursuits.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Patricia; a daughter, Priscilla Hutchinson of Shepherdsville, KY; a daughter-in-law Francesca Kemper, of New Albany, Indiana; four grandchildren; Madeline Kemper, Jackson, Ella, and Joseph William (Will) Bewley; a sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Floyd Wise of Joplin, Missouri and nieces Maria (Pete) Swenson and Jane Ann (Bob) Ballard. He is predeceased by his parents and a son, Joseph William (Jay) Kemper III.

Interment will be at Kemper Cemetery in Kemper, Illinois at an undetermined date. Memorials are suggested to CKWR, PO Box 152, Danville, KY 40422-0152, Salvation Army of Danville, 519 S. 4th St., Danville, KY, 40422, Danville/Boyle County Humane Society, PO Box 487, Danville, KY40423-0487, or a charity of one’s choice.