AREA OBITUARIES – Joseph Lewis “JL” Atwill III

Joseph Lewis “JL” Atwill III, age 78, of Fulton, Ky, passed away peacefully at his home on Sat., June 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

JL was born on Dec. 28, 1946, in Fulton, Ky., to the late Lewis and Helen Stallins Atwill. He attended Cayce Elementary School and graduated from Fulton County High School. He also attended Murray State University. 

JL farmed, served Fulton County as a Court Designated Worker, a Fulton County Sheriff Deputy and K9 handler, but was the most fulfilled when he served the county citizens as Fulton County Emergency Management Director. 

JL served his country proudly for 31 plus years in the Kentucky Army National Guard and was a member of the West Hickman Baptist Church in Hickman, Ky.

JL was a loving husband to Melanie Hunter Atwill for 26 years. He was a devoted father to his children, Camiel Taylor, and her husband, Mike, of Martin, Tenn.; his son, Jay, who resides in Brentwood, Tenn., and his bonus son, Seth McPherson, his wife, Linsey, who resides in Paducah, Ky. 

He was a cherished grandfather to three grandchildren, Nick Taylor, Emma Taylor and Clare McPherson. His grandchildren were an immense joy to him. 

JL enjoyed serving the Lord on the Puerto Rico Construction Ministry Team both in Puerto Rico and building handicapped ramps locally, traveling, and spending his time with his family. JL was known for his kindness, his infectious laugh, his lighthearted interactions with those around him, and his unwavering love for his family.

Funeral services will be held at the West Hickman Baptist Church in Hickman, Ky. on Wed., June 25, 2025, at 3 p.m. with visitation prior to the service from 12 p.m. until the service hour. Burial will follow at the Rush Creek Cemetery

Active Pallbearers will be Joey Parker, Glen Nolan Howell, Tim Langford, Brook Amberg, Lynn Major and Kenney Etherton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis McDaniel, Huh Caldwell, Allen Kyle, Richard Holloway, Renee Milligan, Chuck Everett, Chad Parker, Glen Stewart, and Robert Simpson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the:  Rush Creek Cemetery Perpetual Fund c/o Mindy Major , 203 East Moulton St., Hickman, KY 42050 or The American Cancer Association in JL’s memory, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Hornbeak Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.