William Franklin “Bill” Molton, 81, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky. He was born on January 15, 1942 in Carter County, Kentucky, a son of the late George Henry Molton and Mildred Bate Molton. Bill had worked at various grocery stores in Rowan and Carter Counties. He was a member of the Olive Hill Church of the Nazarene. Bill was a Kentucky Colonel; served in the Kentucky National Guard for 6 years; and he enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an avid sports fan. Bill loved children and spoiled them as if they were his own. He was particularly close to the church kids who thought he was a special grandpa. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Ailene Williams, three brothers, James David Molton, George Harry “Joe” Molton and Claude Daniel “Duke” Molton and a special nephew, Christopher Gale Molton. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Sara Jane “Janie” Williams Molton, two sisters, Etta McHugh of Maysville, Kentucky and Barbara Waggoner of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, sisters-in-law, Jill Molton of Olive Hill and Connie Morgan (David) of Anchorage, Alaska, brothers-in-law, Larry Williams (Sally) of Nolensville, Tennessee and Paul Williams (Jennifer) of Winchester, Kentucky and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Graveside services and burial were conducted at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Olive Hill Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Joseph Foltz officiating. Visitation at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead was from 8:30 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. Friday. Pallbearers were George Molton, Scott Molton, Cameron Molton, Tim Molton, Chris Williams, George Yates, Jr., John McHugh and Tyler Ridge. Honorary pallbearers were Gary Knipp, Doug Steagall, George Yates, Sr., Wendell Davis, Kenny McCoy and Rick Maddix. Contributions are suggested to the Olive Hill Church of the Nazarene, P. O. Box 504, Olive Hill, Kentucky 41164 or to one’s favorite charity. The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home, 808 Old Flemingsburg Road, Morehead, Kentucky 40351 cared for all arrangements for William Franklin “Bill” Molton. To view the online memorial and sign the guest book, please visit www.mrgrayfh.com.
