Roy W. “Bill” Kennard, 84, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his residence.

He was born January 1, 1941, in Lewis Co. KY. to John Thomas Kennard and Elizabeth (Claxton) Kennard.

Bill grew up down in Kentucky and came up to this area in his 20’s. He found a career at Arvin’s in Franklin and worked there for over 27 years before retiring in 2003. He specialized in welding and was very detailed in his craft. He was a former member of the Church of God in Franklin and he loved the Lord. Bill was also a lover of UK Basketball. He loved all things to do with the bluegrass state. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, stock car racing, shooting pool, and drinking a cold beer. Bill’s favorite times were spent with his family and at all the family gatherings. “He was a simple, hardworking, family man”

He married Meritta Mae (Bennett) Kennard and she preceded him in death on November 30, 2004. They shared 33 loving years of marriage together.

He is survived by his daughters, Shannon (husband, Mike) Warfield and Billie (husband, Chris) Stearns; sons, Troy (wife, Reba) Kennard and Mark Kennard; daughters, Kim Lamb and Carolyn (husband, Fenton) Tungate; son, Steve (wife, Tammy) Foster; 26 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchilren; sisters, Helen (husband, Bill) Bullock and Sue Alcorn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Nolan Kennard; brother, Wayne Kennard and sister, Nellie Butler.

Visitation will be Friday, April10, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.

Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 1 pm.

Burial will be in Flat Rock Cemetery.

Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Bill’s family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.