Herbert "Shay" Crockett Rhorer

Private Herbert Crockett “Shay” Rhorer, 83, of Wilmore, Kentucky, departed this earthly life to be with his father in eternal rest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born on September 2, 1942, in Lexington, Kentucky, to the late David “Zippy” Rhorer and Miriam Conover. He grew up in Wilmore and graduated from Jessamine County High School in 1960. After high school, Herbert served in the United States Army. He was a lifelong bachelor; he devoted his time to enjoying trap shooting and winning many events. He was an expert marksman, had a flawless eye and unmatched precision, shooting high scores on the trap range. Just as he never missed a clay pigeon, he never missed a moment in life, which was defined by the same careful aim, deliberate thought, and perfect timing that he displayed with a shotgun. Mr. Rhorer was on the board of directors of the Jessamine Sportsman Club and served as the club secretary of the Shanty Hill Sportsman Club. Shay always took part in the Future Farmers of America, a lifelong Dedication to agriculture. He was assistant treasurer for Wilmore High School FFA. Mr. Rhorer loved spending time with fellow sportsmen and swinging on his side porch swing. He taught physical education at Jessamine County High School. He cherished the storytelling and drinking coffee at Hardee’s with his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Miriam Conover Rhorer, and a brother, David Crockett Rhorer. He has now been reunited with them in Heaven. He will be forever remembered by his lifelong friends, Carl Carson, Mike Lewis, Kenneth Shoemaker, Ricky Estes, Stanley Wiggs, and more.

Family History*

Private Herbert Rhorer was the proud patriarch of a deeply rooted Rhorer family, a lineage that traces its rich history back to his ancestor, Rev. Jacob Rhorer, 1753-1839, and Elizabeth Bruner, 1753-1829, who were Herbert’s third great-grandparents, and lived in Wilmore, Kentucky, on Glass Mill Road.

Private Herbert Crockett “Shay” Rhorer's ancestors are as follows.

David Crockett “Zippy” Rhorer and Miriam Conover

Herbert Beecher Rhorer & Miriam Grow

Daniel Boone Rhorer and Minnie Geneieve Grow

Daniel Boone Rhorer and Miranda Easley

Rev Jacob Rhorer and Mary Hoover

Rev. Jacob Rhorer and Elizabeth Bruner

Note* Hoagland “Hoagy” Carmichael was Private Herbert Rhorer's 2nd cousin, 1X removed. Hoagy was a musician, composer, songwriter, actor, and lawyer. He played on the TV show “Laramie” and many more. Lineage: Howard Carmichael/ Laura Campbell / William Campbell married Frances Rhorer, the daughter of Jacob and Mary Hooever Rhorer.

Funeral Services will be 12:00 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Betts & West Funeral Home with Pastor Dwight Winter officiating. The burial will follow in Bluegrass Memorial Gardens. Bearers will be Mike Lewis, Carl Carson, Stanley Wiggs, Billy Floyd, Billy Teater, and Ricky Estes. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Tuesday prior to the service.

Dear friends compiled this obituary for Shay and wanted to share it with his many friends. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Herbert. Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com.